Everton vs Stoke City

Lyndon Lloyd , 30 March, 37comments | Jump to most recent

Match Preview

From rock-bottom morale and contemplation of the end of the Moyes era three weeks ago, to the re-ignition of faint Champions League hopes following the win over Manchester City, March has been fairly tumultuous at Goodison Park. The month comes to a close this Easter weekend with what could be another defining game for the Blues and their hopes of qualifying for Europe.

Remarkably, the visit of Stoke City completes a five-match home stand and while the FA Cup exit against Wigan had a devastating impact on Everton's season, it's worth noting that David Moyes's side won the other three matches at Goodison — by two clear goals on each occasion — which would seem to suggest that the quarter-final disaster was a particularly ugly aberration.

Tony Pulis's uncompromising outfit will not be the easiest opposition against which to prove themselves but the Blues have an opportunity to further press their claims for a top-four or top-five finish if they can claim all three points. With Arsenal having proved fallible at times this season, Chelsea embarking on a run of six games in 16 days, and Tottenham also still distracted by their Europa Cup campaign, there is scope to gain ground on the teams above us if we can just keep winning.

As Moyes and the players already know, it will require a repeat of the tenacity and determination that characterised that stirring win over Man City a fortnight ago which will hopefully not have diminished over the international break. They will also have to achieve a third successive League win without Marouane Fellaini and Steven Pienaar, both of whom begin two-match suspensions this weekend.

Neither player will be easy to replace, though the manager does have a few options available to him, most likely centred around Victor Anichebe who would provide the physical presence needed against a big Stoke side in Fellaini's absence. Any of Nikica Jelavic, Kevin Mirallas or Steven Naismith could be played behind or alongside the in-form striker, depending on how adventurous Moyes feels.

On the left flank, Bryan Oviedo would be an obvious deputy for Pienaar but there is the possibility of switching Mirallas to the left flank, fielding Phil Neville at right back and pushing Seamus Coleman forward, or giving Ross Barkley a rare start — albeit somewhat out of position — on the right side.

At the back, Moyes suggested in his pre-match press conference that he could have Phil Jagielka back from injury as the gash to his ankle has now healed and Tim Howard is also a possible, though less likely, returnee. Given the nature of the American's injury and the form of Jan Mucha in his stead over the last two games, it would not be surprising if the Slovakian continued between the sticks for the next game at least.

With fourth place just six points away and upcoming fixtures at Spurs and Arsenal still to come, it really is grab-the-bull-by-the-horns time for Everton. Their destiny could yet lie in their own hands if they can adopt an indefatigable mindset over the final nine games. 27 points are there to be won and, as they proved a fortnight ago, they can beat anyone on their day.

With their stingy defence and bellicose approach, Stoke are precisely the kind of team that has stymied the Blues this season so it's by no means going to be an easy game. Home-field advantage, concentration at the back and a resolute desire to win will be the order of the day.

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Reader Comments (37)

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Paul Andrews
1 Posted 30/03/2013 at 12:14:06

Hopefully Jags will be fit.

We are all aware of the threat from set pieces and how Heitinga is vulnerable to them.

What tactical plan will David come up with to counter the threat?

Robbie Shields
2 Posted 30/03/2013 at 12:16:13

Moyes and tactical plans???????? You're having a laugh aren't ya???

Kieran Fitzgerald
3 Posted 30/03/2013 at 12:17:24

This is a game that will have the ability to sum up either all that is good or bad in one 90-minute spell under Moyes. It is a game that will have a huge impact on our season and yet it is pure guess work as to which team and which Moyes will turn up. We will either be very good or shockingly poor.

I know that people will say that it is Stoke and that we can only expect a shit game. For me, it is a game that has come at just the right time, considering our last two performances. What you going to do Moyes?

Nick Waters
4 Posted 30/03/2013 at 12:15:40

Interesting run of fixtures these next 4. We lost all 4 equivalents last season, failing to score a single goal, including no attempt on target against Stoke. The expectation has to be that we can use today's game to launch a decent run and pick up a lot of points where we failed last season.

We can't afford to let Stoke dictate the style of play today so we have to play it quick and on the floor, pitch permitting. That means no Neville otherwise we slow it down too much and allow them to reorganise and defend at will. Oviedo to start? We'll see.

Clarence Yurcan
5 Posted 30/03/2013 at 12:32:29

Why oh why couldn't that aberration have happened during any of the league matches, instead of the FA Cup quarterfinal?

I think all of us in our hearts are expecting disappointment, maybe a 1-1 draw. C'mon Moyes and team, prove us wrong!

Ross Edwards
6 Posted 30/03/2013 at 12:35:48

Paul

Davey's tactic will be to look like a rabbit caught in the headlights and KITAP1. If we are losing, he'll take Mirallas off and put Naismith on.

He's just too predictable to do anything different. If he plays Neville, we'll know what his intentions are.

The winner will be whoever can hoof the ball the highest and more accurately.

Geoff Edwards
7 Posted 30/03/2013 at 12:41:45

The Blue Union just posted on Facebook saying that the following will be the starting lineup. It doesn't look ideal whatever formation you make of it:

24, Tim Howard;

23, Seamus Coleman; 6, Phil Jagielka; 5, John Heitinga; 15 Sylvain Distin; 3, Leighton Baines.

11, Kevin Mirallas; 4, Darron Gibson; 21, Leon Osman;

28, Victor Anichibe; 7, Nicica Jelavic.

Brent Stephens
8 Posted 30/03/2013 at 12:42:05

Ross, if he's too predictable, then you should know whether he's playing Neville? On a more serious note, I'd just bypass our centre midfield and get it into their box as direct as possible, using Anichebe's strength to worry them.

Kieran Fitzgerald
9 Posted 30/03/2013 at 12:43:09

Ross, Moyes really is that predictable. If the negative one turns up any six-year-old child in the stands, let alone Tony Pulis, will be able to work out every single move in advance, including subs.

Paul Gladwell
10 Posted 30/03/2013 at 12:41:13

Ross, I bet Naismith starts with Mirallas on the left.

Ross Edwards
11 Posted 30/03/2013 at 12:48:30

If that is the team Geoff, prepare for 10 men behind the ball for 90 minutes.

Jay Harris
12 Posted 30/03/2013 at 13:00:07

Geoff I don't see a problem with that line up.

3 at the back with Seamus and Bainesy operating as wing backs.

3-5-2 is very adventurous.

Chris Regan
13 Posted 30/03/2013 at 13:10:04

I think Pullis will be looking at corners and set pieces today to try and get a goal then look to frustrate our approach by putting all his men behind the ball, they have the players to play a bit, but there fans seem frustrated with his dogmatic approach.

For Everton to succeed we need to keep the ball on the floor, move it forward quickly, when we have the chance, and spread the play to the wings where possible. If we score first I would be surprised if Pullis's plan B would be enough for two goals.

Paul Andrews first post hit the nail on the head for me. However, I think the key area is the centre of our midfield. Will we have enough to take it to them? I hope so.

Peter Warren
14 Posted 30/03/2013 at 13:21:53

Lead in the first half would set us unicellular otherwise it's going to be a terrible terrible game

Stephen Davies
15 Posted 30/03/2013 at 13:28:02

Can Howard keep a clean sheet???

Mucha showed him it can be done!

Paul Andrews
16 Posted 30/03/2013 at 13:35:49

Jay,

I am not Moyes's biggest fan but, if he goes with the 3-5-2, I agree with you. He is adapting the formation to counter the height and to keep their wide midfielders deep, hopefully cutting the crosses down.

The only problem I can see is if we score first and it ends up 5-3-2.

Phil Sammon
18 Posted 30/03/2013 at 13:37:56

If it is that line up, expect Jags at RB and Coleman in midfield.

I can't berate him for it just yet, but I thought we'd learnt about square pegs and round holes. Coleman has blossomed into a wonderful RB and a real attacking threat from there. Keep him there.

I'd love to see Barkley in for Fellaini and Victor on the right with Mirallas on the left. I'd like to see more of Oviedo, but Vic is of more use against Stoke. I think Moyes will opt for Vic and Jelavic up front with Naismith on the right - purely because the little shit can win his share of headers.

I predict a truly horrible game and I can't believe I'm going to watch it when I could, quite easily, stay at home, get drunk, and not watch it on ESPN.

Time to set off anyway...Bollocks!

Jay Harris
19 Posted 30/03/2013 at 13:46:33

Paul,

As long as all the players show up today we should have enough uality to beat a stubborn Stoke side.

Kevin Tully
20 Posted 30/03/2013 at 13:47:20

Looking forward to the game today,hopefully we can give as good as we get in midfield. I am looking at this Sunderland side against the Mancs, and for the moneyO'Neil has spent, they are fecking awful. To think he was touted as a great manager makes me shudder, this team of his are one of the worst in the division.

Paul Andrews
21 Posted 30/03/2013 at 13:54:04

Jay,
I agree get on the front foot score first then keep going for the second goal.

Ernie Baywood
22 Posted 30/03/2013 at 14:05:02

If that's the team then I agree with Phil... Coleman will be at right mid. When did Moyes last change formation no matter how many players he's missing.

I half expected that as I think it will be the tactic against Spurs - Coleman in that role against Bale has worked well before. And another centre back will come in handy when they play it direct.

Mind you I still would have gone attacking today, not worry about Stoke, and dealt with Bale when we play him.

Ross Edwards
23 Posted 30/03/2013 at 14:29:42

I actually hope that Moyes doesn't tweak the tactics too much as it could disrupt the team. We have seen Mancini for City a number of times change the formation and, as a result, City have not done as well.

If he wants have to go to 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 he has to have hopefully gone through what he wants in training; if not, it might be a disjointed performance tonight as the lads might not be used to 3 at the back.

Tom Bowers
24 Posted 30/03/2013 at 14:32:39

This game has 'draw' written all over it given the record of both teams this season.

We all know what to expect from Stoke and with their apparent aerial threat it will be just a case of Everton keeping them from too many set-pieces; however, they are very strong at the back and we have some lightweight players who may struggle in their final third.

James Martin
25 Posted 30/03/2013 at 14:59:21

Ross you've just criticised Moyes for being too predictable to do anything different and then a few comments later criticised his so called rumoured team that is completely different to anything he has played in 12 years, which is it? Or have we got to the point now where whatever team he picks if it doesn't match up to our fantasy 11 we just rip into him regardless of the result?

Only took the international break for everyone to come back out saying that Moyes is incapable of tactical plans. I guess last week didn't happen then, dominating City with 11 before stifling them with ten men and playing on the counter, or is this Kitap1 (sorry 2). Stoke are struggling so will come here looking for a point. We have 2 of our first teamers missing. It all points towards being a very tight cagey affair. Anyone expecting us to just turn them over 4-0 hasn't been watching Stoke for the entirety of their Premier League existence.

Carl Sanderson
26 Posted 30/03/2013 at 15:11:21

Well said, James. Some people will criticise Moyes as a sort of reflex, regardless of performance or result. No Fellaini means no height in midfield; against a team like Stoke playing wing-backs could be a solution. The only doubt I have is in the players' ability to adapt to a new system. Here's hoping...

Mick Quirke
27 Posted 30/03/2013 at 15:31:23

This is the team, as those of us 'n the know(?) have known since this morning. Moyes is going for a revolutionary 3-4-1-2:

Howard; Heitinga, Jagielka, Distin; Coleman, Osman, Gibson, Baines; Mirallas; Jelavic, Anichebe.

Mick Quirke
28 Posted 30/03/2013 at 15:31:23

Dup

Stu Smith
29 Posted 30/03/2013 at 15:50:41

Does anyone have a link for the game yet?

Nick Entwistle
30 Posted 30/03/2013 at 15:52:23

Not until about 30 mins before Stu, but keep an eye out on the live forum.

Stu Smith
31 Posted 30/03/2013 at 15:55:57

ok ta

Sam Hoare
32 Posted 30/03/2013 at 16:06:24

Other results not looking ideal. Could do with one or both of Spurs and Arsenal dropping points.

Mike Green
33 Posted 30/03/2013 at 16:40:07

Swansea have pulled one back Sam, if they can snatch a draw ad Chelsea lose I'll take that....

Paul David
34 Posted 30/03/2013 at 16:42:33

Fuck me Geoff's line up is right. I'm disappointed but not surprised by how Moyes has gone. Personally I think it'll be Heitinga in midfield.

Stuart O'Malley
35 Posted 30/03/2013 at 16:49:00

As Jay Harris said, looks like three at the back, with coleman & bainesey pushing up, and two up front. quite happy with that line up. very attack minded with the extra physical presence at the back with both jags& distin in there. think if we can get off on right foot, should be able to turn over these non-football purists! man I hate playing stoke with there shithouse tactics. COYB

Jack Wilkinson
36 Posted 30/03/2013 at 16:53:36

No Neville on the bench either.
Mucha, Duffy, Stones, Oviedo, Hitzelsperger, Barkley, Naismith

Paul David
37 Posted 30/03/2013 at 16:55:04

Moyes's idea of being revolutionary is to put a second striker on when we're 2 goals down so I really can't see him playing 3 at the back, I think this is how we'll line up.

Howard
Coleman Jag Distin Baines
Anichebe Heitinga Osman Gibson Mirallas
Jelavic

Stuart O'Malley
38 Posted 30/03/2013 at 17:00:21

yeah your probably right paul, maybe just wishful thinking from myself. You never know tho, didnt Jags come out midweek and say that the they where going to go for it in the remaining games. Three at the back would be a good start, but knowing moyes, unlikely.

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