Fellaini returns for Arsenal clash

Lyndon Lloyd , 27 November, 17comments | Jump to most recent

Moyes cagey about starting XI

Everton will be boosted by the return from suspension of Marouane Fellaini when Arsenal come to Goodison Park tomorrow but David Moyes refused to confirm whether any of his recent injury absentees are in with a chance of starting at his pre-match press conference today.

Kevin Mirallas and Darron Gibson are believed to be close to readiness but neither figured against Norwich on Saturday and the manager was giving nothing away about whether either will be in the line-up tomorrow evening.

“Like every club in the Premier League at this time of year, you are going to have injuries and suspensions," he told reporters.

“We are no different to everybody else but we will hopefully have a strong 11 to start the game tomorrow night.”

When pressed further on whether it would be a stronger team that against the Canaries, Moyes merely said, "similar".

Quotes or other material sourced from Everton FC

Reader Comments (17)

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Edward Simpson
1 Posted 27/11/2012 at 17:17:56

I would really wish that Moyes would get rid of his surly attitude for once and say where the injured players are at.

At least we have Fellaini back.

Al Reddish
2 Posted 27/11/2012 at 17:48:48

I think he is just being tactical myself.

Ian Bennett
3 Posted 27/11/2012 at 17:59:13

I am happy for him to play his cards close to his chest, why give the opposition an advantage if you don't need to?

Phil Sammon
4 Posted 27/11/2012 at 18:20:20

If Moyes says Gibson and Mirallas are fit then Wenger knows exactly what our team will be.

Surely keeping Wenger guessing is to our advantage.

Patrick Murphy
5 Posted 27/11/2012 at 18:35:18

Arsene Wenger has started his mind games already, saying how Arsenal have such a good record at Goodison (which is true) during his time at the helm, but adding that Everton are always a difficult and physical opponent.

First tackle leads to a red card then! Oh I am in a most cynical mood today.

Gerry Quinn
6 Posted 27/11/2012 at 18:31:22

Agreed Ian, and Al. I can't understand why some people want him to be more open. Next thing they'll be demanding a Team Sheet and Injury List the day before every match!

Although there wasn't the media scramble to force the induced utter shite we are pummelled with nowadays, one certain Harry Catterick was a lot more surly, even obnoxious, and gave very few pre-match (or post-match) interviews. Clough was an expert at being totally sarcastic.

We keep telling the players to shut up and do all of their talking on the pitch — the same should ring true for the Manager. I for one would not be too sad if they got rid of that pre-match crap! The answers are so obvious.

Gerry Quinn
7 Posted 27/11/2012 at 18:43:34

Of course, just to iritate me even more, I see that Jags has just opened his frickin gob!

Sam Higgins
8 Posted 27/11/2012 at 18:42:21

I don't give a fuck about mind games, who is playing, injuries, new signings blah de fucking blah — we need a fucking win tomorrow against the Arse, 3 points and nothing else. I'm still cunting furious about the weekend and the last few games... tomorrow night can get us back on plan.

Kunal Desai
9 Posted 27/11/2012 at 19:30:40

I sincerely do hope that we are giving Gibson the extra time to fully recover and not have any relapses or pick up further injuries. When he comes back into the side, he needs to be in that side starting every game until the end of the season!

Brian Murray
10 Posted 27/11/2012 at 19:49:49

A win tomorrow nite is a must... COYB

Nick Entwistle
11 Posted 27/11/2012 at 19:59:34

What chance Jelavic on the bench tomorrow? Mirallas in his place would really make him strop.

Wouldn't blame Moyes for that approach, hitting Arsenal on the break with a speedy striker.

Ian Bennett
12 Posted 27/11/2012 at 20:17:25

Nick the new motivator....

Andy Meighan
13 Posted 27/11/2012 at 21:34:59

I watched Arsenal last Saturday and they were absolutely shite but they've got Wilshere, Cazorla and Walcott to come back in so I get the feeling it could be a long night for us unless were at full strength. But the noises coming out of the club seem to be saying were not... Fellaini apart obviously. Our home record against them is the biggest worry for me.

Scott Bosworth
15 Posted 27/11/2012 at 22:14:51

"I can't understand why some people want him to be more open."

Basically, we are all desperate for any fraction of an iota of a reason to hope that things will get better after the past few weekends, and we're all praying that the return of Gibbo, Mirallas, etc... will cure what ails us. That is, it's not about the manager's tactics, but about sustaining our own waning dreams of CL glory.

That said, I agree with Al (#516). I also think, based on what Moyes said prior to Norwich about Gibbo & Kevin being almost there, that they *might* have played last Saturday, except that Moyes elected to make sure they weren't re-injured or worn out for the short turnaround with Arsenal, followed by Man City on the weekend.

In other words, I expect he intentionally played a weaker squad last weekend in anticipation of needing the big names this week. Having dropped 2 points, this seems like a failed plan, but I think if the lads pull 4 out of this week, we'll all feel differently.

David Denby
16 Posted 27/11/2012 at 22:22:56

"Wouldn't blame Moyes for that approach, hitting Arsenal on the break with a speedy striker".

Oh bollocks, we haven't re-signed Barlow on the quiet have we? Hearing the rumours about Kev and Jelly not getting on makes me think (a) it's a load of rubbish or (b) there's something in it.

It will be interesting to see how tomorrow and indeed the next few weeks play out with this. It will certainly test Moyes if there's any truth in it as it's not exactly the philosophy he has tried to foster since his time here,

Anyway, back to the game. I pray to God that we do have either Kev or Gibson back for tomorrow. I think the return of Felli will take the pressure off Pienaar, afford others more space, and see us come out on top. A fiver says it'll be us 2-1.

Looking forward to a better atmosphere than Saturday also. Come on blue boys, don't let me drive away Thursday with a frown.

Bloody love this club, you bitch!

Chris Davies
17 Posted 28/11/2012 at 17:13:31

@David Denby

"Hearing the rumours about Kev and Jelly not getting on makes me think (a) it's a load of rubbish or (b) there's something in it."

Strangest thing I've ever read.

Mike Andrews
18 Posted 28/11/2012 at 17:57:26

Chris, thank you that really made me laugh

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