Stoke City vs Everton preview

Posted on | September 13, 2008 | No Comments

In Sunday’s only Premiership fixture, Stoke City host Everton at the Brittania Stadium. Both teams have the same number of points-3, but Stoke are currently ahead of the Toffees on goal difference. The last time that Stoke met Everton in a league fixture was over 20 years ago, with the result not in favour of the Potters.

David Moyes has been plagued with injury problems aplenty, and Everton are currently struggling to put together a quality first 11. Lars Jacobsen was injured when Denmark played Portugal in the recent international break. Steven Pienaar, Tony Hibbert, Andy van der Myde and Tim Cahill have not yet recovered from their injuries. Cahill is close to full fitness, but the Australian is not likely to be risked this weekend. Segundo Castillo and Jack Rodwell picked up knocks while on international duty with Ecuador and England U-21. The status on Joseph Yobo’s ankle and Leon Osman’s knee is unclear, and only deepen the selection headache for Moyes. Louis Saha is struggling with his calf, and that mean Vaughan and Yakubu will play upfront. A win away at Hawthorns is all Everton have to show this season, with Blackburn and Portsmouth both having emerged from Goodison Park with three points. The only silver lining will be the appearance of 15 million pound signing Marouane Felliani, who will play an important role in midfield.

Stoke’s run of two victories was halted by Middlesbrough in their last Premiership fixture. They had earlier beaten Aston Villa thanks to a remarkable late goal from Mamady Sidibe, followed by a Cup win over Cheltenham. Amdy Moustapha Faye is suspended, and Michael Tonge, Ibrahima Sonko and Danny Higginbotham are likely to make their league debut for the Potters. Should Danish international Thomas Sorensen fail his late fitness test, Pulis is likely to hand Steve Simonsen a game against his old club. Stoke have conceded seven goals this season, same as Everton, and their defence should tighten up against the Toffees, especially with Sonko stepping in. Should Stoke lose, it would mark their 50th league loss under Tony Pulis.

Everton are low on confidence, and Stoke will fancy their chances at home. The game will probably be a 2-2 draw, with Arteta, Yakubu, Fuller and Tonge likely scorers. I don’t think either team could fashion a win here.

Related posts:

1. Everton vs Stoke City – Betting Preview
2. Arsenal vs Stoke City preview- December 18
3. Liverpool vs Stoke City preview betting
4. Stoke City vs Manchester United Betting Preview
5. Manchester City vs Everton

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