How tough an assignment do you think this will be for the home side?
It'll be really tough. It may be a bit of a given that Everton always have an injury problem but our current one is probably the worst I can remember for a long time. In the short-term we're missing key players, and in some cases their back ups. We're definitely missing Jags, Arteta, Pienaar and Neville. Rodwell and Yobo are doubts too. This is leaving us with a big problem in the creative midfield area with only Bilyaletdinov able to truly create chances.
Stoke will play their usual physical play with skill in the final third, but what kind of performance should we expect from Everton?
To be honest, it all depends on whether Rodwell and Yobo are playing. If those 2 play then our team will be much more balanced, solid and rhythmic. If not then you'll see us back to hoofing it up to Saha, Cahill and Fellaini and then hoping we can score and hold on. Bilyaletdinov will be a major threat from corners and freekicks, his left foot is pretty amazing and he always delivers a good ball.
Will the midweek trip to Russia have a major effect on your side, or are you likely to send a second string side to european action?
That game's out of the way and no new injury concerns really so I don't think it will impact us too badly. Our pros don't usually show any signs of tiredness or fatigue after mid-week games so that won't affect us either.
Which, if any, Stoke players are you looking at a possible thorn in the Everton side?
Really impressed with Stoke's squad this year and players like Beatts, Lawrence, Fuller and especially Tuncay are all quality players. Tuncay especially is someone who many Everton fans were calling for us to sign this summer. Also everyone knows how gigantic your team is and will be a danger from every form of set-piece. Especially throws
Louis Saha is on fire, and also suspended in midweek, so he will be an obvious danger. Who else should we keep an eye on?
Cahill is always a threat. No matter how physically large your team is, Cahill will always find a way to create space for himself. Fellaini is also a major danger from crosses. Bilyaletdinov being our current most creative player and as I said before his deliveries are borderline sexually attractive.
...and finally, a prediction?
2-1 us, sorry
