Match Previews

Need a point to seal progress and are unbeaten in eight games now... Stubbs (sp)(def) the only missing player while Yobo (r)(def) and Howard (r)(gk) doubtful .. Some players will be given a chance to stake their claim for a starting slot ... Everton entertain the new Russian champions Zenith on Wednesday and will be aiming to seal their place in the knockout stage of the UEFA Cup by claiming the point they need. The Toffees started the group campaign by perfect style by defeating Larissa 3:1 at home and then scoring two late goals to beat Nurnberg away from home. Thus, they now have the enviable task of winning just a point from the remaining games with Zenith and AZ Alkmaar and David Moyes will surely prefer this to happen this Wednesday. The team's recent form has been nothing short of exceptional as they have gone eight games unbeaten in all competition since losing at home to Liverpool. The team has been playing some great football and the manager should expect more from the same in the upcoming game. He looks set to give some of his regulars a rest and bring in some of the players who did not have the chance to break into the line-up recently. Tim Cahill (k) has been instrumental in the team's revival but looks likely to be left on the bench in that game with Moyes reverting to a 4-4-2 formation. This could see Andy Johnson (k) claiming his first start since late September after making a couple of sub appearances in the last two games following a six-week injury lay-off. Victor Anichebe (sp) has been great whenever called upon and is likely to be handed a start up front as well. Tony Hibbert (sp) and Leighton Baines (r) have seen little first-team football lately but could be handed starts now as they aim to force their way back into the starting 11. The only worry missing player ahead of the clash is Alan Stubbs who faces a few more weeks out with a calf problem. Tim Howard and Joseph Yobo are rated doubts though. The American keeper is ill while Yobo has an ankle problem. The duo are unlikely to be risked with Stefan Wessels (sp) and Phil Jagielka (sp) set to come in as deputies.