Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton

Lyndon Lloyd , 6 April, 67comments | Jump to most recent

Match Preview

Everton's season moves into its crucial phase as they travel down to the Capital for the first of four difficult away games that will surely be definitive in their quest for European qualification.

Sunday's trip to White Hart Lane precedes visits to the Emirates Stadium, Anfield and Stamford Bridge between now and the end of the campaign which means that the Blues' hopes of qualifying for the Europea League and even the Champions League are very much in their own hands. At the start of the play this weekend, David Moyes's side are four points behind Chelsea in fourth and six adrift of Spurs in third, with a game in hand.

The size of the task shouldn't escape anyone; Everton haven't won in North London since beating Spurs in the 2008/09 campaign and, of course, Moyes hasn't overseen a Premier League victory on Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea's turf yet. And yet, while the points are there to be won, everything is possible, particularly if the Blues can spring a surprise at White Hart Lane this weekend.

Much of the focus in the build-up to this one rightly centred on Gareth Bale. The Welshman has had a scintillating season for Spurs and is understandably in the running for player of the year but an awkward roll of his ankle against FC Basel in the European Cup on Thursday means that Andre Villas-Boas will be without his most potent weapon this weekend.

His absence compounds the Londoners' injury woes —Jermaine Defoe, Aaron Lennon and William Gallas are also all ruled out — and provides Everton with extra incentive and more than evens up the stakes seeing as the Blues are without suspended duo, Marouane Fellaini and Steven Pienaar.

Of chief concern for Evertonians, though, is Kevin Mirallas who apparently strained his groin against Stoke last weekend before being substituted with 10 minutes to go and is rated by Moyes as "touch and go" for Sunday. The Belgian has been the Blues' most effective attacking force in recent weeks and, just as he was last weekend, could be the difference for Everton if he is passed fit.

Whether Mirallas makes it or not, Moyes will likely revert to his favoured 4-4-1-1 formation after experimenting with a three-man back line against Stoke. That will probably see John Heitinga drop back to the bench but the manager has another decision to make up front where it's unlikely he will fancy fielding Nikica Jelavic and Victor Anichebe together, unless the latter is deployed on one of the flanks.

Steven Naismith in right midfield or Phil Neville at right back with Seamus Coleman pushed forward are also options as Moyes plots a win that would really set the cat among the pigeons should he be able to pull it off.

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Reader Comments (67)

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Tom Dodds
2 Posted 06/04/2013 at 08:01:32

Aye, the woes of having such a small squad when things are so really starting to count now.

The amount of 'if only's (bad refereeing/no transfer activity/no youth back-up) are now swirling around this pin-head of players as they are poised towards the eye of the needle of this season.

Still, there have been a fair few occasions in the past when the most depleted of Everton teams have pulled off some spectacular fights/fight-backs...

Best one I remember: Coming back against Spurs at WHL with only 10 men!! (August 2006)..

Paul Mackie
3 Posted 06/04/2013 at 08:34:02

Spurs aren't all that without Bale but then we look toothless without Mirallas. I'm predicting a scrappy 1-1 draw here.

Sam Hoare
4 Posted 06/04/2013 at 08:56:59

This could be the perfect game for Bryan Oviedo. His pace would be useful defensively and to try and get in behind their high line. Will it happen? Probably not.

I think if Mirallas plays we have a decent chance of a draw or sneaking a win. If not I can just see them pressing us into conceeding lots of posession and dominating us in the middle with Parker, Dembele and Holtby.

Ernie Baywood
5 Posted 06/04/2013 at 09:37:10

If Mirrallas is out I'd like to see Seamus get a run at Assou-Ekkotto. He shits himself when faced with pace.

Obviously that might mean Neville in but at right back he's not as bad an option as in midfield.

COYB!

Phil Sammon
6 Posted 06/04/2013 at 09:50:40

Nah Seamus at RB is pretty much the first name on the team sheet at the moment.

I'm praying for a fit Mirallas and I think he will be.

I think we'll switch back to 4-4-1-1 with Mirallas behind Jelavic, Victor on the right and probably fucking Naismith coming in - though I'd prefer Barkley or Oviedo.

Ian Bennett
7 Posted 06/04/2013 at 10:12:20

About time Gibson scored, the guy should be knocking in a few as he has a decent dig on him. 1-0 Blue Boys.

Peter Leslie
8 Posted 06/04/2013 at 10:12:58

I'm wondering if Moyes will stick with the 3 centre-backs.

I think if Bale was fit, and playing through the middle, he would have, definitely.

And he's made a couple of remarks about Heitinga even since Bale got injured that make me expect him to stick with that line-up.

I'm expecting:
Howard
Distin, Jags, Heits
Baines, Coleman wing-backs
Osman Gibson Mirallas
Anichebe Jelavic.

If Mirallas doesn't make it, or goes off early / injured, I think it will switch to 4-4-2 with Oviedo in front of Baines.

I get a sense that recent events may have forced Moyes out of (or freed him from, if you prefer) his ultra-negative mindset.

I'm detecting (or imagining, perhaps) a 'Fuck You Lot, I'm gonna show you what you're gonna miss if you let me go" attitude, and this makes me hope we may be "going for it" in the last few games for once.

Hope so, because that's all that I and probably the larger proportion of us on here actually want from Moyes: brave, imaginative, aggressive and positive football – not dour, timid, safety-first shite.

If Moyes can change his spots and become THAT manager, I wouldn't want anyone else.

COYB

Jack Okell
9 Posted 06/04/2013 at 11:01:20

Well said, Peter Leslie. My sentiments exactly, mate.

Kunal Desai
10 Posted 06/04/2013 at 10:57:54

Interesting to hear in Moyes pre match conference saying that if we are to be in that top 4 then we are certainly going to surprise one or two away from home. Atleast he realises this, but is this all talk or will he do his usual and just sit back at these grounds he's never won at or will he go on the attack just for once? time will tell I suppose.

Ben Jones
12 Posted 06/04/2013 at 11:19:28

I think Moyes might stick with 3 centre backs, mainly because Spurs have no fit natural wide players left. Two of Dempsey, Sigurdsson, Dembele or Holtby will play on the flanks, meaning they will cut in all of the time.

I think 3 centre backs is more capable of defending that.

Brian Waring
13 Posted 06/04/2013 at 11:53:35

Neville is a shoe-in to start.

James Martin
14 Posted 06/04/2013 at 12:02:15

I don't think he'll do 3 CBs. The space in midfield gagainst Stoke was ridiculous, we had loads of room for a running Mirallas against them but equally they had the freedom of the pitch when they got it. In some ways it was a clever ploy, Stoke didn't know what to do with the ball given the opportunity to pass it orund, and when they did go long we were prepared.

If we do this against Tottenham then Dembele Parker and Holtby will just monopolise the ball and run all over us. Give them time and they will not be as watseful as Stoke. Usually Moyes likes to choke these teams in midfield and use Fellaini to bring in Osman and pIenaar's superior creativity. With two of the three absent who knows what he will do but it owuld not surprise me to see us flooding the midfield like normal and trying to graft our way past Spurs and hope for some magic from Osman, Mirallas or Jelavic.

Mark Frere
15 Posted 06/04/2013 at 12:00:33

I really hope Mirallas is fit. I would like to see us play 4-4-2 with Oviedo playing LM. Hope we don't play 3-5-2 because we didn't look comfortable last time out. This is a great time to play Spurs because they won't be as fresh and have injuries.

Howard
Coleman Jags Distin Baines
Mirallas Gibson Osman Oviedo
Anichebe Jelavic.

Peter Askins
16 Posted 06/04/2013 at 12:13:43

Just to set the record straight, a Moyes Everton team won three league games on the trot at White Hart Lane (2006, 2007, & 2008).

I don't expect an "inferiority complex" to come into play. If anything, we (Moyes and the players) will feel they have the psychological edge, after Spurs got the run around on Thursday evening, and with three key players out (Defoe, Lennon, & Bale).

Unfortunately for us, Mirallas is key to our attacking threat, and we would miss him as much as Spurs will miss Bale.

A centre back pairing of Jags and Distin should be more than enough to deal with an the uninspiring Adebayor, so choking the game in midfield would be the way to go, and nicking a goal.

At this stage of the season, it's results over artistic ability every time for me.

Brent Stephens
17 Posted 06/04/2013 at 12:31:07

Brian #522 "Neville is a shoe - in to start". With a space before and after the hyphen, I initially read that as Neville is shoe, and that he'd be in the side from the start! Suppose we could do with a clogger as well? And somebody to give it a bit of welly?

Mike Gwyer
18 Posted 06/04/2013 at 12:37:32

Peter Leslie #505. Cant agree with your view on the team to play Spurs. We were litterally sitting ducks against Stoke for most of the 2nd half as our back 3 and the two wing backs really became a back five. There is not way Gibson and Osman will cope with the Spurs midfield so Moyes is bound to add to this area, who he puts in there is a lottery but with Bale and Lennon out for Spurs we really could do with an attacking option like Barkley and then take the game to Spurs.

To be honest I will be surprised if Mirallas gets more than 60 minutes which will then end our attacking option and will lead to long punts to Anichebe & Jella. I am fucking praying that Moyes can see the door has opened massively for us to have a go at Spurs.

Eugene Ruane
19 Posted 06/04/2013 at 12:52:38

Brent (531), it doesn't look too bad on paper..

Howard
Distin, Jags, Heits
Baines, Coleman
A shoe, Gibson Mirallas
Anichebe Jelavic.

(as long as it IS a shoe and not actually Neville)

Iain Johnston
20 Posted 06/04/2013 at 13:35:43

I'm interpreting what DM is saying that Mirallas won't start.. I'm thinking 4 1 4 1.

Howard
Neville, Jags, Distin, Baines.
Heitinga
Coleman, Gibson, Barkley, Osman
Anichibe..

Wouldn't be surprised to see Heitinga in the back 4, Jags at RB and Neville in the middle..
I think Spurs are going to struggle in the run in and will finish behind Chelsea and Arsenal.
We should go there and have a go, I don't think Moyes will though.

Ian Bennett
21 Posted 06/04/2013 at 13:46:28

I'd go:-

Howard
Coleman
Baines
Distin
Jagielka

Gibson
Osman
Barkley (Moyes will start Heitinga)

Anichebe
Mirallas
Jelavic

Kevin Day
22 Posted 06/04/2013 at 13:50:09

Brian Waring......

Neville IS just a shoe!

Stephen Graham
23 Posted 06/04/2013 at 14:21:51

Kevin Day: that's an insult to shoes everywhere.

Trevor Lynes
24 Posted 06/04/2013 at 16:03:49

It certainly does NOT even things up with Bale out.
They still have Adebayor and Dempsey who would both be in our team.
There is no comparison at all.

The likes of Pienaar hardly got a game for them when he was there.
On paper Spurs has one of the biggest quality squads in the division.

Tony Twist
25 Posted 06/04/2013 at 16:30:12

It is vital we get a win. I would say this is the one match that we have a chance of winning of the big four matches against our nearest rivals. I think the team should be:

Howard,
Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines,
Mirallas, Osman, Gibson, Oviedo,
Barkley,
Jelavic.

It's a must win; if we don't, I will be surprised if we win more than probably one of our remaining matches.

Phil Sammon
26 Posted 06/04/2013 at 16:17:30

As good as Pienaar is, I think he either needs to play centrally or have an overlapping full-back if he's played out wide. He didn't get either at Spurs. They wanted him to be a winger, which he most certainly is not. I certainly don't think that he lacked the required quality.

It sounds very much like Heitinga will play which does worry me. I don't know what scares me more, three at the back or a centre half in midfield. The third option, previously mentioned, is Jags at RB and Coleman pushed further forward. It'd be a shame to move so many players out of position, particularly when Coleman is infinitely more effective as a full-back.

I think the key for us tomorrow could be Anichebe. When we have a big game and when the crowd are on his side he can be a huge player for us. When he chases down balls and puts himself about he really is something special. Unfortunately he doesn't do it enough. It's a shame because its only his own desire that holds him back.

Fingers crossed WBA can get an equaliser here...

Sam Hoare
27 Posted 06/04/2013 at 16:44:41

Come on WBA! Could really use with Arsenal dropping points...

Steavey Buckley
28 Posted 06/04/2013 at 16:40:08

Whoever Moyes picks tomorrow, please, please no Philip Neville. He will only pass to the opposition who will then score. Same team as last week, with the inclusion of Barkley even if Mirallas is fit to play. Jelavic should give way with a 3 at the back-2 wing backs -4 in midfield -1 up front by himself. That team should secure at least a much needed 1 point.

Sam Hoare
29 Posted 06/04/2013 at 16:53:58

Balls. Arsenal won one of their tougher remaining games. Think if the shadow of the CL dream is to remain then we need to beat Spurs tomorrow, even a draw would leave us effectively 5 points behind Arsenal, who will not even be 4th if Chelsea win.

Brian Waring
30 Posted 06/04/2013 at 17:02:50

Okay, I know I meant to say "shoo-in" LOL!

Kevin Tully
31 Posted 06/04/2013 at 16:58:41

Double whammy on the cards if we lose tomorrow, the devil's spawn could go ahead on G.D. if they beat West Ham.

Patrick Murphy
32 Posted 06/04/2013 at 17:06:25

I thought the Arsenal might drop a couple of points today, but they didn't and we have to go for the win, Spurs will be nervous with Arsenal only a point adrift of them, you would expect Chelsea to beat Sunderland so we just have to win. We have got to stop worrying about the other lot they'll finish where they finish and apart from when we play them we can do nothing to alter their results.

Tony Twist
33 Posted 06/04/2013 at 17:17:43

It doesn't matter what the others do, we need to win our matches then see where that leaves us. To stand any chance, we probably need to win at least 5 of our remaining matches but I don't think that will be enough as I think our rivals will probably at least match that. Let's hope we can keep this run of wins going with any sort of win tomorrow. COYBs

Thomas Newton
34 Posted 06/04/2013 at 16:53:57

Isn't optimism a wonderful thing, before the end of their game on Thursday night, i wasn't even going to watch the game on Sunday, as the Man U game a few weeks ago, if I'm in the mindset we'll get tonked in a televised game we normally do; last season at Old Trafford a welcome exception.

Now, with no Bale, other injuries, fatigue, it does appear we could get something out the game after all but, as rightly pointed out, teams in that position can galvanise but Spurs have had a tendency to flag towards the end of games anyway — last week they were extremely fortunate to get 3 points in a 2nd half Swansea dominated.The way the fixtures pan out, if we do win and beat QPR, we will be level on points, even above them if we get anything at Arsenal, who will be now nailed on for a top 4 spot with their run-in.

Still, everything to play for... I ,just hope our chosen one can sharpen his knives for the gunfights............

Tom Bowers
35 Posted 06/04/2013 at 17:18:48

The brutal truth is that the Blues need 3 points tomorrow, nothing less is good enough. They can still finish 4th but also 7th. which would be a disaster after promising so much early in the season.

The stupidity of Fellaini and Pienaar getting untimely suspensions ahead of such an important fixture may come back to haunt Everton. Yes, Spurs are missing players too but they are at home and Everton have drawn way too many games.

West Bromwich Albion did Everton no favours today, missing chances when Arsenal were down to 10 men. If Miralles is out then I cannot see anything more than a draw tomorrow. With Osman, Naismith and Anichebe in the team, it will be a struggle.

Chris Owens
36 Posted 06/04/2013 at 17:43:59

The remaining games this season will show if David Moyes has the tactical know-how to justify his huge salary and stay on as Everton manager. Don’t rely on other teams around us stumbling. No excuses - we must start with a win tomorrow against a weakened Tottenham team. Anything less than 3 points is not good enough.

Brent Stephens
37 Posted 06/04/2013 at 17:46:57

Eugene #535 - looks great on paper!

Colin Glassar
38 Posted 06/04/2013 at 18:28:34

We can't count on anyone now but ourselves. I thought west brom might do us a favour today but that didn't happen. We just need to try and win as many games as possible and hope that those above us drop points. It's really difficult but not impossible. COYB !!!

Peter Cummings
39 Posted 06/04/2013 at 19:06:40

I think the game will hinge on Mirallas playing. If he's out, maybe Oviedo can do a job. I would love to see McAleny given a go, the lad has skill and vision but not a lot of weight.

This is a game Ossie needs to come good in and Heitinga needs to play as well as he has done in the last couple of games. I fancy a draw but hope we can nick a win.

Joe McMahon
40 Posted 06/04/2013 at 19:20:43

On the subject of Neville and shoes, I was thinking he's more the Sole. Please feel free to add on another word before it.

Brent Stephens
41 Posted 06/04/2013 at 19:39:48

Joe, I guess that isn't "lemon" is it?

Gavin Ramejkis
42 Posted 06/04/2013 at 19:34:13

Colin, fully agree and relying on other teams is a fools game, you can't influence other games only your own.

Joe McMahon
43 Posted 06/04/2013 at 19:49:56

Brent- Ha- naw, thats not the word I was thinking.
I'd just rather him not be on the pitch to be honest.

Phil Sammon
44 Posted 06/04/2013 at 19:59:30

Tom Bowers

'The stupidity of Fellaini and Pienaar getting untimely suspensions...'

Fellaini made a brilliant challenge to get this suspension.

Brent Stephens
45 Posted 06/04/2013 at 20:16:01

Joe, I didn't think it was! Ah...

Ian Smitham
46 Posted 06/04/2013 at 20:17:36

Just watching the end of Ant and Dec, they are singing the Fellaini song, god I love him.

Ian Smitham
47 Posted 06/04/2013 at 20:18:34

As for Pienaar getting a stupid suspension, he was going at it full on against the Champions, yes maybe a bit rash, but I would rather have full-on effort and drive from the players than us having some lazy bastard who just because he is not on form, which he has not been, throws the towel in.

Brian Garside
48 Posted 06/04/2013 at 20:14:49

Neville will get grilled if he is played.

Brian Garside
49 Posted 06/04/2013 at 20:26:21

Sam 477 I agree. Oviedo just the man to mash the spuds.

Martin Handley
50 Posted 06/04/2013 at 20:17:02

I think Mirallas will be fit, as how often do managers (Ferguson and Wenger are past masters at this) say their most effective player is injured and then – holy smoke! They appear as if by magic fit,well and full of running.

Also I don't think the likes of Dempsey and Holtby while good players are anywhere near as dangerous as Bale, and unlike some other posters I don't believe that Tottenham have strikers in Adebayor that are any better than our strikers when Bale is out.

I think Moyes will play 4-4-2 against them tomorrow with Oviedo, Neville and Barkley the trio most likely to be brought on as subs. Can we do it? Yes, we can! COYB!

David Midgley
51 Posted 06/04/2013 at 20:40:06

#630 — I wish some team would poach him.

Iain Johnston
52 Posted 06/04/2013 at 20:30:52

Phil #626 and Ian #629. I fully agree. Both players were committed, doing their job. They'll be refreshed for the Arsenal game which will be an advantage for us.

Brent Stephens
53 Posted 06/04/2013 at 21:06:46

David - or somebody batter him.

Eric Holland
54 Posted 06/04/2013 at 23:28:27

He gets roasted enough times

Ernie Baywood
55 Posted 07/04/2013 at 01:09:12

Moyes learns, he just takes a long time. History would indicate two things:

1). A reluctance to play anyone unproven.
2). In big games he goes for experience over potential.

History says the replacements will be players like Neville (surely only as a RB) and Heitinga over Barkley and Oviedo.

To be honest, we're down to the bare bones and he's got some shitty decisions to make. I suspect we'll see the same as last week. It's the only way to cram as many experienced players in as possible.

Tom Bowers
56 Posted 07/04/2013 at 02:14:54

The stupidity and stubbornness of Moyes has cost Everton this season – if not previous seasons. Whilst he has done some good things, he continually shoots himself in the foot.

Getting Manager of the Month is as farcical as Osman getting an England cap and Beckham believing he is worthy of one more.

The game tomorrow must be won and, if not, then forget Champions League completely. Europa League would also be a waste of time next season as it generates little money compared to Champions League and would be a distraction to doing well in the Premier League providing a new manager comes in.

Laurie Hartley
57 Posted 06/04/2013 at 23:00:04

Brent, David & Brent,

You can cook this up any way you want but if he gets a place in the team it will be a fluke if we win.

James Flynn
58 Posted 07/04/2013 at 03:00:05

Well, Stateside there is plenty of talk about who finishes in the Top 4; particularly the 3rd and 4th spots.

Everton is only mentioned as:

The team in 6th place

One of Spurs/Gunners/Chelsea's certain 3 points

Not mentioned at all

Christ, please lads get the 3 points today. PLEASE!!!

Fuck the lot of them and their media sychophants.

COYB!

Mike Manchester
59 Posted 07/04/2013 at 07:29:53

Off to the lane, I gotta feelin' he's gonna start Barkley. COYB

Kevin Day
60 Posted 07/04/2013 at 07:51:42

I can see Chelsea dropping points today at Sunderland today, new manager syndrome, how many times does a team pick itself up when someone new comes in, 9/10? Paulo should have them fired up.

Kevin Day
61 Posted 07/04/2013 at 09:41:43

Stephen Graham,

I apologise, hand on heart your right, I apologise to all forms of shoes eveywhere, what was I thinking.

Marc Sansum
62 Posted 07/04/2013 at 10:28:48

Just waiting for that team news....then the expected page full of abuse that follows. You know its coming, do not deny it!

Marc Sansum
63 Posted 07/04/2013 at 10:39:18

And let's just hope Neville is shouting encouragement from the sidelines still.....Want Barkley to get a run out, but I can't see it, not away to Spurs anyway.

Ernie Baywood
64 Posted 07/04/2013 at 13:10:54

He's in... and so is Kev.

Shocked!

Ernie Baywood
65 Posted 07/04/2013 at 13:13:09

Howard, Baines, Coleman, Jags, Distin, Heitinga, Gibson, Osman, Barkley, Kev, Vic

3-5-2 I guess

Ernie Baywood
66 Posted 07/04/2013 at 13:17:24

Stones and Duffy on the bench... no Neville.

Kev Johnson
67 Posted 07/04/2013 at 13:18:16

Ernie - you're shocked, I'm shocked, we're all shocked...

Barkely to start away at Spurs. Who'd have thought it?

Come on, Ross lad - show us what you're made of!

Andrew Cunningham
68 Posted 07/04/2013 at 15:06:28

Do you really have to put the other teams' logo or motto on this page when we are playing them? We know who they are and they know who they are so please desist!!!!

Michael Kenrick
Editorial Team
69 Posted 07/04/2013 at 22:12:40

Seriously, Andrew (#797) — that concerns you?

It's something we've always done. I had no idea it was wrong.

It's actually just a ploy to add a bit of visual colour and interest to the homepage... oh, and what else should we put there, as we'd hate to leave it blank. [Answers on the proverbial postcard...]

ps: Do we know if Neville is officially injured? Or is Moyes actively in the process of retiring him from the team?

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