Source: SKY_Sports
Benfica v Everton preview
David Moyes may have to reshuffle his defensive backline once more for the Europa League clash against Benfica in Lisbon.
The Everton boss has left Joseph Yobo at home after the defender picked up a thigh strain against Wolves at the weekend.
The situation leaves Moyes short of cover at centre-half so right-back Tony Hibbert could move inside as he did with surprising ease in the Toffees' last European outing against BATE Borisov.
Another option is to move the ever improving Jack Rodwell from his midfield berth to the back four as Everton go in search of their third successive win in the Europa League.
Wins over BATE and AEK Athens have seen the Merseysiders move to the top of their group and another success in the Estadio da Luz would see the Toffees plant one foot firmly in the knockout stages.
However the trip to Portugal threatens to be Everton's toughest test yet and with an already depleted side Moyes will be looking for his more senior players to stand up.
The Scot has already admitted that at least one of the club's youngsters could get the nod in Lisbon due to the current casualty list so 21-year-old defender Seamus Coleman could be on standby.
Joining Yobo at home is midfielder Leon Osman after he also picked up a knock on Saturday, leaving Moyes with a dilemma in midfield with the Toffees already without Steven Pienaar and Mikel Arteta (both knee).
Defenders Johnny Heitinga and Lucas Neill are both ineligible while Phil Neville (knee) and Phil Jagielka (knee) remain long-term casualties.
Strikers James Vaughan (knee) and Victor Anichebe (knee) will also sit out of the match as they recover from their respective problems.
Benfica have won one and lost one of their opening two European encounters but will pose a significant threat to Everton with a host of international stars at their disposal.
Upfront the Portuguese can call on the talents of former Barcelona and Real Madrid ace Javier Saviola and Portugal international Nuno Gomes while supplying the front two with ammunition is Argentine schemer Pablo Aimar.
Benfica currently lie second in their domestic league and are treating the game on Thursday as a must win in order to qualify for the last 32.
The hosts will be without left-back Jose Shaffer, midfielder Luis Felipe and forward Kerrison all through injury.
