Everton v Wolverhampton: Match Preview

21 August 2010 07:11
Moyes supports Howard Everton manager David Moyes has backed goalkeeper Tim Howard to bounce back from last week's costly blunder.

The United States World Cup number one was at fault for the only goal as Everton were beaten at Blackburn in their Barclays Premier League opener last week.

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The 31-year-old was one of the Toffees' most consistent performers last season and Moyes has been impressed with his response since the error.

Moyes said: "You get affected when you make a mistake but I could see a lot of other people on the pitch making mistakes that didn't lead directly to goals.

"Goalkeepers have to make it look as if it hasn't bothered them and get on with the rest of the game.

"I think Tim did that, he got on with the game and now we have all moved on from it. He has been fine and trained really well.

"It wasn't just him. He made a glaring mistake which everyone picks up on but he has been very good for us over the years and I hope he continues to be very good."

Everton began the campaign with high hopes after losing just two of their last 24 games last season. Had it not been for a poor start, Moyes' men would have been firmly in European contention. The difference from 12 months ago is that Moyes now has close to a fully-fit squad and he is determined to get the season up and running as Wolves visit Goodison Park.

The Scot said: "Fortunately this year everyone is fit and we have competition for places. "We want people to stand up and say they are taking the jersey.

"For eight years I have been scrapping week in, week out wondering how I am going to get a team sometimes.

"This year it is a little bit better but we know we are short in one or two positions in the squad."

After the disappointment of Ewood Park, Moyes is also pleased to be running out back on Merseyside this weekend. He added: "We can't wait to get back to Goodison. It has always been good for us over the years and we tend to win the majority of our games there. "We are hoping we get another good year at Goodison."

Everton captain Phil Neville is a slight doubt for the game. The former England international has a foot injury but Moyes is hopeful he will be fit to feature. Striker Victor Anichebe is unlikely to play after having an injection in the knee to ease bone bruising.

Meanwhile, Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is pleased his team are picking up the "experience and understanding" he hopes will safeguard their place in the Barclays Premier League for another season. McCarthy's men confounded the critics to earn a second season of top-flight football last season - and they made a good start to the 2010/11 campaign last weekend with a 2-1 defeat of Stoke at Molineux.

He believes his men can have the belief they can make the right impression against the Premier League's top teams. "It's your own self-belief as a player," he said. "You look around at your team-mates and think 'we've got a decent team here'.

"That helps you not to worry about opposition and maybe helps you not think about it when you're playing at Everton or playing at Manchester United.

"Actually we've got a decent side. At least we've got players who have played in the Premier League and know they can play in the Premier League.

"We've got that. It doesn't guarantee us anything but at least we've got a bit of experience and understanding."

Wolves have several injury doubts for the trip to Goodison Park, most notably Steven Fletcher, who has a bruised foot. Fellow new signings Jelle van Damme (ankle) and Steven Mouyokolo (hamstring) may also miss the fixture. However, there is good news for Wolves with last season's top goalscorer Kevin Doyle poised to return after missing last Saturday's game with a calf injury.

Source: DSG