Rumours regarding the departure of David Moyes earlier in the week were quashed with a defiant immediacy but no matter what the Scot says, his side are struggling to find any consistency this season and their disappointing position in the league is living proof of that. Only one win in five games, with that coming against Scunthorpe in the FA Cup, the Blues will need a win at Goodison or may find themselves in the relegation dogfight.
Struggling Seasiders Looking To Improve
Ian Holloway's side have lost their way somewhat after a remarkable first half of the season, having lost their last four games, making that six defeats in seven. Their only win in that period was against the Toffees' city rivals Liverpool and the travelling Seasiders will be hoping that proves to be a good omen or the Premier League new boys' season threatens to unravel into disarray.
TEAM NEWS
Everton
David Moyes' side will be boosted by the return of the talismanic Tim Cahill, who has been on international duty with Australia at the Asian Cup since late December. The club's top scorer with nine goals this season, his return will no doubt be welcomed by Moyes.
The Everton boss is also set to welcome back Tony Hibbert, who missed out on the club's 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday due to illness, though Phil Neville is more likely to get the nod at right-back. This leaves Moyes with a complete squad to choose from, an enviable position to be in from the eyes of Ian Holloway.
Possible starting XI: Howard; Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Coleman, Cahill, Fellaini, Arteta; Beckford, Saha.
Blackpool
David Carney, having returned from the Asian Cup to play against West Ham in midweek, will potentially line up alongside Andy Reid and James Beattie, after the duo joined Ian Holloway's side on transfer deadline day.
However, Blackpool's injury list is longer than that of their hosts on Merseyside, with long term injuries to Matt Gilks, Stephen Crainey, Chris Basham and Billy Clarke leaving all four players unavailable for selection at Goodison Park.
Possible starting XI: Kingson; Eardley, Cathcart, Evatt, Baptiste; Reid, Adam, Vaughan; Beattie, Campbell, Harewood.
Prediction
Everton were incredibly unlucky not to take anything out of their game against Arsenal and are looking stronger every week. They should prove too strong to a Blackpool side looking a little out of sorts.
Everton 3-1 Blackpool 
