Cal
Player Valuation: £40m
Bolton v Everton - Monday 9th April 2007
The mighty blues travel to the Reebok Stadium for a massive game against Bolton on the back of a fantastic 4-1 win against relegation threatened Fulham.
Everton who have not always had the best of record’s against Bolton at there fortress, The Reebok Stadium, will be looking to gain a massive victory over their rivals for the European spot’s.
Everton have 4 injury worries going into the game. Lee Carsley (Head injury), Victor Anichebe (Knee) and Richard Wright (Knee), along with Manuel Fernandes, who missed the win against Fulham but could be in contention if he passes a late fitness test.
Lee Carsley is expected to play after his head injury against Fulham was a slight worry but carried on playing for the Blues and even got a goal and was one of the best players on the park, so he is highly likely to play even after a big gash to his head. Everton seemed to have missed the brilliant Manuel Fernandes in recent games and the fans and team will be hoping he makes a quick recovery to come into this massive game for the club but is still looking very doubtful. Anichebe and Wright look to be out after having both jarred there knee’s in the warm up and game. Anichebe who scored in against Fulham would have been an ideal player to play or come off the subs bench to cope with Bolton’s physical approach to the game. John Ruddy is expected to keep his place on the bench after Wright’s misfortunate injury in the warm up after jarring his knee.
Other than Tim Cahill who is out for the season, Everton have no more injury doubts. They could recall Andy Van Der Meyde to the line-up or the subs bench after the Dutchman’s latest apology to the manager but I highly doubt it. James McFadden could also come into the picture after his come back from injury went well with 2 goals for the reserves in midweek. But if all the players who played in the 4-1 win are fit then Moyes is expected to keep the same team against 5th place Bolton.
Everton will be looking for this vital win to get away from Bolton and from the chasing pack of Spurs, Bolton and Pompey to get a European place. Bolton are known for there physical approach to the game, so Everton will need to play well and most importantly defend well to cope with this. I’m sure Stubbs, Yobo and Lescott can all cope with the Bolton forwards though after their brilliant and consistent performances this season. Everton will have to get 3 points if they want to secure a European place. COME ON YOU BLUE BOYS!
Ref: Martin Atkinson
My Prediction: Bolton 2-0 Everton
By Callum Jones