Everton v Stoke - Official StokeMAD preview

Last updated : 01 October 2009 By Dan Buxton

premier league

Stoke will be looking for a first win since August when they take on Everton at Goodison Park, hoping to avenge the double that the Toffee's did on City last season. Everton had a horrible trip to Borislav Bate on Thursday and the Potters will be aware that there may be some tired legs in the home side.

Stoke are still without Mama Sidibe, Ricardo Fuller is struggling with a groin strain, and reports of flu, but James Beattie should be fit for a return to his old stomping ground. Liam Lawrence has been given a painkilling injection in his back to help with a long standing niggle and will undergo a late fitness test whilst Amdy Faye, Salif Diao and Diego Arismendi all returned to action in the reserves goalless draw on Monday and will be pushing for a place on the bench. One player who definately won't feature is Richard Cresswell, who has joined Sheffield United on a three month loan.

Everton will run the rule over injury victims Jo and Joseph Yobo after both picked up knocks in Belarus while striker Louis Saha returns after being suspended in midweek.

Recent form sees the Potters without a win in three league games, but they were games against Manchester United and Chelsea along with an injury time penalty denying them three points at Bolton, whilst the Toffee's have recovered well from the 6-1 mauling they received from Arsenal on the opening day and had four clean sheet victories in a row before Thursdays european game.

Goodison Park has rarely been a happy hunting ground for Stoke, just seven wins in 55 visits, and they have just one victory at the home of the Toffee's in 43 years. Everton go into the game unbeaten in nine games in all competitions, home and away, against City.

The referee on Sunday is Andre Marriner. The man in black was also the ref for this fixture last season and also refereed the Potters trips to Liverpool and Portsmouth last season.

The Met Office reports that there during the afternoon there will be overcast conditions, with breaks of sunshine and shower spells, a bit of everything then, with winds of 18mph and temperature of 12 degress Celsius.

Prediction: Stoke to keep it tight early on but falling behind just after half time to a Louis Saha strike. The Potters come back strong late on and sub Tuncay nets a late equaliser against tired legs