14 march 2009: Everton - Stoke City

MATCH: EVERTON – STOKE CITY

EVERTON
Everton will maintain their challenge for a top four finish when they take on Stoke City at Goodison Park. The Toffees are unbeaten in their last eight matches but know they will be in for a tough encounter with struggling Stoke.
During the last game the team didn't play well, maybe thinking they could walk all over Blackburn, and managing at least to keep the clean sheets.

Team news:
Midfielder Andy van der Meyde is Everton's only new injury worry ahead of Saturday's visit of Stoke.

T Hibbert - Thigh Muscle Strain (3 Weeks)
M Arteta - ACL Knee Injury (6 Months)
V Anichebe - Cartilage Knee Injury (4 Months)
N Valente - Knee Injury (1 week)
A Yakubu - Calf/Shin Injury (4 Months)
J Vaughan - Knee Injury (1 week)

Overall form: WWWDDLWDWD
Home form: DWDLDWWDWW

STOKE CITY
The Potters are fighting for their lives in the bottom five places of the Barclays Premier League. James Beattie proved again in the win at home to Bolton Wanderers that he is a shrewd investment in Stoke City's battle to secure their Barclays Premier League status.
Signed in the January transfer window from Sheffield United, the striker got his side off to a flying start in this crucial match by making it five goals in seven appearances.
Stoke city is still looking for the first victory away from home.

Team news:
Matthew Etherington has completed a three-match ban and returns to a full strength Stoke squad for Saturday's match at Everton.

Overall form: LLDLLWLDDW
Away form: LDLDLLLLLD

HEAD TO HEAD
14/09/2008 Stoke 2 – 3 Everton

VERDICT
Stoke managed to keep the clean sheet only 1 time on the last 10 games, while Everton record is Goals For: 11 and Goals Against: 1.
This could be a clear home victory, unless Everton repeat the same mistake of the last game with Blackburn.