Everton v Middlesbrough preview

06 March 2009 10:16
Everton host Middlesbrough on Sunday in the last of the FA Cup quarter-finals.[LNB] The respective league form of the two sides could not be more different, with Everton still harbouring hopes of making a late push for fourth, whilst Boro are entrenched in the relegation battle.[LNB]But Boro have again shown they have a liking for cup football this term, despite their poor league form.[LNB]The Teessiders have now made the last eight of the FA Cup four years in succession, although from those quarter-final clashes they have made the semis just once.[LNB]The last time Everton reached this stage was in 2002, but on that occasion they were knocked out by Middlesbrough, a result which signalled the departure of Walter Smith and the appointment of David Moyes.[LNB]Everton boss Moyes and his players will no doubt be relishing the prospect of Boro coming back to Goodison Park.[LNB]Since taking charge Moyes has faced Boro 16 times, but he has lost just three of those matches and confidence will be high that they can make the last four for the first time since 1995 when they lifted the trophy.[LNB]Team newsOn the injury front, Moyes will have to see what he has available.[LNB]Mikel Arteta and Victor Anichebe are both sidelined for the season after being injured at Newcastle last month, and they join long-term injury victim and former Boro star Aiyegbeni Yakubu on the sidelines.[LNB]With Anichebe and Yakubu out, Moyes will again have to scratch around for forward solutions with Louis Saha and Tim Cahill both carrying knocks - although the Australian will feature on Sunday.[LNB]Belgian Marouane Fellaini has a back problem, but he could also be pushed into action if Cahill is forced to play up-front.[LNB]Boro bluesBoro boss Gareth Southgate will need to decide whether to freshen things up after their sorry 4-0 defeat to Tottenham in midweek, which came after consecutive wins over Liverpool and West Ham.[LNB]Robert Huth is a doubt after only struggling through to half-time at Spurs and if he is not involved, then Andrew Taylor is likely to come in with Emmanuel Pogatetz switching into the middle.[LNB]Afonso Alves will also be hoping he can push for a recall with Jeremie Aliadiere possible moving back into midfield or even the bench if Southgate opts for the Brazilian.[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports