Wednesday, November 10, 2010

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10-11-2010 21:00 Everton - Bolton Wanderers

History Repeating

The refrain is similar one from the Everton support. Summer optimism crushed by a lacklustre start to the campaign, Moyes then works his magic at the on-set of winter to set his ship on an even keel once more.

The weekend stalemate with Blackpool has continued the Merseysiders' steady march up the table after they sat bottom as late as September 26. Since tasting victory for the first time this season on October 2, the Toffees have gained all three points from the subsequent pair of matches at Goodison Park.

Since the 4-0 thrashing at the ground in December 2005, Moyes has watched as his troops have dispatched Bolton with ease. Another victory on Wednesday night should propel Everton right into the mix for the Europa League qualifying spots.

High Flyers

Bolton have never been as high as sixth place in the table since the heady days of Sam Allardyce in the middle part of last decade. While that team was laced with top draw performers such as Jay-Jay Okocha, Fernando Hierro and Youri Djorkaeff, Coyle's charges are from much humbler stock.

This didn't stop them dispatching a Spurs side fresh from thrashing Champions League holders Inter. Coyle's side play a hybrid system that brims with the flair from his Burnley days but not without a trace of Allardyce's graft.

This mixture was highlighted against Tottenham when the hosts fired in 18 attempts on goal to 11 and won the foul count 13 to nine.

A run of just one loss in their last seven games tells the story of a club rejuvenated. Everton should be aware that Bolton have no plans to drop down the standings.

TEAM NEWS

Everton

Toffees manager David Moyes has no fresh injury concerns after the pulsating 2-2 weekend draw with Blackpool.

Marouane Fellaini's quicker than expected return from a hamstring tear will see him back in contention at the end of this month. Fellow midfielder Leon Osman is reported to be set for a comeback during the festive fixtures.

Possible starting XI: Howard; 
Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Coleman, Heitinga, Arteta, Cahill, Pienaar; Yakubu.

Bolton Wanderers

Bolton supremo Owen Coyle will be keen to maintain the momentum generated from Saturday's 4-2 victory against Tottenham. The match saw Martin Petrov grab a goal after being absent for the previous defeat to Liverpool with a hamstring strain.

Coyle will still be without long-term absentees Ricardo Gardner, Sean Davis, Joey O'Brien and Jlloyd Samuel.

Possible starting XI: Jaaskelainen; Steinsson, Cahill, Knight, Robinson; Lee, Muamba, Holden, Petrov; Elmander, Davies.

Prediction
Everton 2-1 Bolton