Everton v Wigan preview

03 April 2009 11:23
Everton and Wigan will both be aiming to boost their European hopes when they lock horns on Sunday. David Moyes' Toffees suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth a fortnight ago to leave them seven points behind fourth-placed Arsenal. They are well placed to secure at least a UEFA Europa League spot but remain hopeful of challenging for UEFA Champions League qualification. Moyes has had to contend with injury problems all season and Victor Anichebe, Mikel Arteta (both knee) and Yakubu Aiyegbeni (calf) will all miss the rest of the campaign. Tony Hibbert (thigh) and Jospeh Yobo (hamstring) are both recovering well after spells on the sidelines but they are not expected back for a couple more weeks. Tim Cahill travelled to Australia to take part in a World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan in midweek but he was left on the bench to rest his injured calf and his fitness will be assessed after making the long trip back. Louis Saha and Jo are therefore likely to continue their partnership up front despite failing to fire against Pompey. Wigan's preparations for the visit to Goodison Park have been overshadowed by Steve Bruce's furious criticism of Amr Zaki. The Egyptian striker has been described as 'unprofessional' after failing to return from international duty on time for the fourth occasion this season. The on-loan striker, who is understood to be carrying a hamstring injury, will now have to wait to see if he has a future at the club. Zaki's compatriot Mido has made it back and could once again be paired with promising Colombian Hugo Rodallega in attack. Lee Cattermole is still suspended after being shown a straight red card in the 1-0 loss to West Ham, so Ben Watson is likely to keep his place in midfield. Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia missed the 1-0 victory over Hull City and remains doubtful as he has yet to recover full fitness after a hamstring problem. The Latics have recovered from a recent wobble to win their last two games and they are currently seventh in the Premier League table. Bruce will want his players to finish the season strongly to clinch a European place but will realise a number of other sides are still in contention. Possible starting XIs Everton: Howard, Jacobsen, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Osman, Neville, Pienaar, Fellaini, Saha, Jo. Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Bramble, Scharner, Figueroa, Boyce, Brown, Watson, N'Zogbia, Mido, Rodallega.

Source: SKY_Sports