Source: SKY_Sports
Moyes gambles with Howard
David Moyes is ready to risk Tim Howard against Aston Villa on Sunday despite the American suffering from a back injury.
The Everton boss is prepared to gamble with his No.1 in order to help the sixth-placed Toffees challenge for a UEFA Champions League spot and they lie just one point behind Villa.
Even with a tough semi-final tie with Manchester United the following week in the FA Cup, Moyes wants to put the Premier League first by starting with Howard in goal, whose back injury has also affected his hamstring and thigh.
"I want to win the game against Villa. I would take a risk and play Tim against Villa," the Scotsman told the Daily Star.
"The most important thing is to try to get the points against Villa. That's all I'm interested in.
"The Premier League is always the priority. As far as I'm concerned this is the only game I'm interested in at the moment."
Must-win
The FA Cup represents Everton's best chance of lifting the trophy since they won it in 1995 under Joe Royle.
But with Villa just a point ahead of the Merseysiders and Arsenal six points further ahead in the race for the Champions League, Moyes believes Sunday's clash could be the biggest of their season so far.
"It's a must-win game for us and for them if either of us want fourth place," he said.
"The first thing we have to do is go and win the game. But it will be tough.
"Martin O'Neill has done a great job. I thought Villa were really strong favourites to finish fourth earlier this season."
