Premier League Preview: Everton - Wolverhampton Wanderers

Saturday October 17 2009, Venue: Goodison Park, Liverpool, Kick Off: 15:00 BST   

History on Toffees' side

Everton will be looking to continue their recent good form, having turned things round after a frustrating start to the season. David Moyes's men have now put together a decent run, being unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions.

A draw against Stoke City last time out ended a five game winning run for the Toffees and they will be keen to claim more league points as they look to climb from the middle of the Premier League table.

History is on the Toffees side as far as Wolves are concerned. The West Midlanders have not won at Goodison Park since 1979, with the last Premier League meeting between the clubs on Merseyside taking place in 2003/04 when Everton won 2-1.

Moyes's men are still beset by injury problems with several key men absent. However, as the recent win in Ukraine against BATE showed, adversity tends to draw this group of players closer together and Wolves should expect a  tough test whoever plays.

Wolves wanting some wins

Mick McCarthy's side are in desperate need of some points. Although it is still early days in their return to the Premier League, they have lost four out of their last five games in all competitions and searching questions will start to be asked should things not improve soon.

Wolves have won only one game away from Molineux so far this campaign. That victory was a narrow win at Wigan Athletic, and McCarthy's men have won only one from eight game since.

Wolves will be boosted by the returns to fitness of striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and winger Michael Kightly, both of whom could complement Irish international Kevin Doyle in attack.

"Sylvan's fine as well and is fit to play just like Kights - there are no issues with either of them," McCarthy told his club's official website.
 
"Kights has got something a little bit different, a little bit special if you like, which can open up defences. He is fit enough to start now and if he does and gives his lot and has to come off after 45 minutes or 60 minutes or 70 minutes then fine.
 
"I've had options all over the park all season but it's nice to have better options with what people perceive to be our better players from last season. Kights was penned into the team every week he was fit, Sylvan the same, and it's good to have players back, and Doyler fully fit as well."

FORM GUIDE

Everton

04.10.09 Everton 1-1 Stoke City Premier League
01.10.09 BATE 1-2 Everton Europa League
26.09.09 Portsmouth 0-1 Everton Premier League
23.09.09 Hull City 0-4 Everton League Cup
20.09.09 Everton 3-0 Blackburn Rovers  Premier League

Wolverhampton Wanderers

03.10.09 Wolves 0-1 Portsmouth Premier League
27.09.09 Sunderland 5-2 Wolves Premier League
23.09.09 Manchester United 1-0 Wolves League Cup
20.09.09 Wolves 2-1 Fulham Premier League
12.09.09 Blackburn Rovers 3-1 Wolves Premier League

TEAM NEWS

Everton

Marouane Fellaini has been cleared to play by FIFA after some controversy over whether his country Belgium would invoke the 'five day rule' after he withdrew from their game against Estonia due to wisdom tooth trouble. Mikel Arteta, Phil Jagielka, Phil Neville, Victor Anichebe and Steven Pienaar all remain long-term absentees.

Last Line-Up (versus Stoke)

Howard, Hibbert, Baines, Heitinga, Distin, Bilyaletdinov (Jo 75), Cahill, Osman (Yakubu 76), Fellaini, Rodwell, Saha. Unused substitutes: Nash, Neill, Gosling, Agard, Baxter

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Midfielder Segundo Castillo has made a long journey in returning from international duty with Ecuador and McCarthy must decide whether the 27-year-old is fresh enough to feature. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Michael Kightly could return.

Last Line-Up (versus Portsmouth)

Hennessey, Elokobi (Maierhofer 80), Berra, Mancienne, Foley (Kightly 46), Edwards, Henry, Halford, Jarvis, Keogh (Ebanks-Blake 46), Doyle Unused Substitutes: Hahnemann, Craddock, Zubar, Milijas.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Everton

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov has made a quietly impressive start to his Goodison career, contributing several assists in his 6 appearances so far. His creative left foot and unassuming quality have led to early comparisons with Toffees legend Kevin Sheedy. Wolves must beware his delivery from both open play and set-piece.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

If Wolves are to improve they must start scoring goals and Kevin Doyle is crucial to them. The Republic of Ireland striker has impressed in flashes so far this season and if McCarthy's side can give him the service then he should threaten.

PREDICTION

Everton will continue their climb up the table in typically efficient fashion.

Everton 3-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK