A confident Everton look set to start new striker against Bolton

by Karl Walderman. Published Fri 06 Feb 2009 07:42, Last updated: 2009-02-06

With confidence high in the Everton camp following their 1-0 triumph over Liverpool, Blues boss David Moyes can rest a little easier knowing he can start the Bolton Game with a recognised striker.

Since completing the loan signing of Manchester City's Brazilian forward Jo, on transfer deadline day the Toffee's will be looking for nothing less than three points to put them in further contention for Europe.

Having been without all their forwards through injury with Yakubu, Louis Saha, James Vaughan and Victor Anichebe sidelined since the end of November they have still managed to put together a run of form that has kept them on the heels of the top four places.

Jo was ineligible to play in the midweek FA Cup derby but is highly expected to make his debut against Gary Megson's side.

Having survived a tough run of matches with three games against Liverpool as well as Arsenal and Manchester United in their last five matches the Blues have remained solid defensively keeping seven clean sheets in their last.

Bolton have also hit a good run bagging four points from games against relegation rivals Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham hoisting themselves clear of the bottom three but.

But after a shock sale of their captain Kevin Nolan to Newcastle and failing to land a replacement in Sean Davis or Pedro Mendes, Megson's midfield options suddenly look thin on the ground.

The Wanderers boss could use Nicky Hunt back from his thigh injury or Johan Elmander who has recovered well from a hamstring problem, but Gavin McCann still remains sidelined with his ankle.

Megson's two new signings in Mark Davies from Wolves and Ariza Makukula on loan from Benfica should play after making a positive impact on their starts in the Premiership.

Everton secured a 1-0 victory at the Reebok Stadium back in October, thanks to Marouane Fellaini's last-minute winner and captain Phil Neville believes the win against Liverpool has galvanised his side.

The Goodison skipper said: “We are looking forward to Saturday.

"We are fit and ready and the game against Liverpool has made us even stronger.

"We have got new signing Jo, so he will give us fresh legs and the two young lads Jack Rodwell and Dan Gosling are flying with confidence and will make an impact.

"They have made an impression and we are in a position now where we have plenty of young lads coming through.

"Bolton are going to be in for a tough ride as the side has grown even closer together and we know we can beat anyone."

Everton Boss David Moyes paid tribute to his young guns and reckons he has the best centre halves in the league.

Moyes said: "The two young boys did terrific against Liverpool and they will have a part to play against Bolton I'm sure.

"Jack is a good passer of the ball and he's elegant in his play and Dan can always get you a goal.

"The back four have been terrific and Joleon and Jags are just an immense pairing in the middle.

"I think they are playing as good if not better than any centre halves in the league.

"It gives us a good platform to kick on and win games and let's hope it continues. What will be important now is if we can beat Bolton in the league and move closer to the European spots."

Gary Megson has hailed the 'brilliant' job that David Moyes has done at Everton and believes the Goodison Park club are the ideal blueprint for Bolton to follow.

Megson said: "David is a good friend of mine and we were talking last week at Old Trafford about the respective problems that we both have, and they are similar.

"I know David would look at his squad and say it's too small. He's got quality but maybe not got enough quantity.

"He is having huge problems with strikers and is leading with Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini up top, and they're doing a manful job but hopefully we can capitalise on that.

"To be able to beat one of the best teams in Europe in Liverpool with no recognised centre forward is a great testament to the job David has doing and they are a pointer for how we should do things at this football club.

"David brought in Lescott from Wolves and he's gone on to establish himself in the England side and Jagielka is another huge success story who is floating around an international call up so they are going to be tough to break through.

"Everton will get a huge lift from beating Liverpool but they played for two hours in a very intense derby, so there is the possibility they may have picked up a couple of knocks while our players were resting.

"Whether that's an advantage or not we will find out on Saturday but we are in good spirits from our win against Tottenham and hopefully we can push on and head up the league here we belong."

Ends





Comments about A confident Everton look set to start new striker against Bolton

There are no comments yet on A confident Everton look set to start new striker against Bolton. Be the first to leave one, enter your thoughts below.

Post a comment






Alert me of replies

You have characters left


 






















Powered by Click Creative
© All Rights Reserved.