Season › 2012-13 › News Norwich City vs Everton Lyndon Lloyd , 22 February, 51comments | Jump to most recent Match Preview Anichebe was withdrawn from the Oldham tie with a groin strain and may miss out at Norwich Still alive in the FA Cup but with work to do in the Fifth Round replay and some difficult trips to top-four rivals Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal still to come in the League, Everton's season enters a crucial phase in the coming week. An eminently winnable game against Reading awaits next weekend, the Blues' first Premier League game at Goodison Park since the beginning of the month, with the replay against Oldham on the slate for Tuesday, but first up it's a trip to Norwich City, a team on a wretched run of form. Since recording a narrow home win over Wigan in mid-December, Chris Hughton's side have won just once, that a 3 - 0 win over Peterborough United in the FA Cup Third Round. Humiliation followed in the next round with a home defeat to non-League Luton Town, and although three consecutive draws appear to offer hope of stability now at Carrow Road, the Canaries have scored just twice in the League in 2013. So, certainly some vulnerability and insecurity for David Moyes and his men to exploit as they look to re-establish some pressure on the teams above them in the chase for Champions League qualification. Everton are 11/10 to beat Norwich according to bookmaker Ladbrokes. Article continues below video content Norwich's home form suggests that the Blues will need to be at their best this weekend, however, if they hope to take all three points back to Merseyside. Hughton's team frustrated Tottenham by holding them to a 1 - 1 draw at the end of last month and have only lost on home turf three times this season. And while they've found goals hard to come by, they've conceded fewer at home than Everton so far, with nine of those coming in just two games against Manchester City and Liverpool. While the Blues have re-discovered some of their potency in front of goal since the 0-0 draw against Southampton a month ago — the shut-out at Old Trafford aside — it is at the back where they continue to nobble themselves by conceding late or preventable goals. Moyes should be able to call upon his first-choice central defensive pairing of Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin and may be able to welcome back Seamus Coleman after a month on the sidelines with a thigh injury. If the Irishman is not available, Phil Neville should be fit to continue at right back, though his manager will no doubt contemplate shuffling him out of the starting XI at some point with three games in seven days. Further forward, Kevin Mirallas could be restored to the starting line-up after being named on the bench at Boundary Park last Saturday, particularly if the apparent groin strain that Victor Anichebe picked up in that game will rule him out. Nikica Jelavic would get the nod as the lone striker if Anichebe doesn't make it and would get a rare chance to profit from Mirallas's creativity up front. For the Blues, this week really has to be where the rubber meets the road if their dreams for their League and cup campaigns are to be realized. The players know that victories are all that matter now and a couple of them have insisted that the manager's further postponement of a decision on his future will not affect them down the home straight. Three successive victories, a feat they have not achieved since the start of the season but which will be paramount in their twin quest for Wembley and Europe, would really ram that home with the kind of conviction needed. Lyndon Lloyd Reader Comments (51) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer James Flynn 1 Posted 22/02/2013 at 00:41:26 The first WBA game and the last with ManU, the better team won. Every other game we should have won, not drawn. Put the ball in the net gents. Peter Jones 2 Posted 22/02/2013 at 01:08:03 Couldn't agree more James. A year of missed opportunities amidst brilliant play honestly. Derek Williams 3 Posted 22/02/2013 at 05:35:31 Spurs and Arsenal in front of us and the Shite ominously closer every week and now breathing down our necks. 3 points are crucial at Carrow Road. Then we need to brush aside Oldham like we should have done last week. We look like we're on our last legs at the minute and the vultures are circling. COYB. Paul Andrews 4 Posted 22/02/2013 at 06:53:22 This game will define the Moyes philosophy on football. It's shit or bust time — 3 points are a must if we have any hope of staying in the race for 4th place.Will David attack from the off? First goal is important. Or will he keep it tight, start Mirallas on the bench, and see how it goes?I know where my money is. Peter Barry 5 Posted 22/02/2013 at 09:52:37 Daft Davey's team talk will go something like this: "Be careful, guys, I know Norwich have been on a bad run recently, so all the more reason for them to come out fighting, so don't forget keep it tight, track back and let's see if we can nick one and hold on." Clive Rogers 6 Posted 22/02/2013 at 11:25:03 Don't play Neville, his legs have gone. Bob Parrington 7 Posted 22/02/2013 at 11:29:32 Score more; concede less! COYB Paul David 8 Posted 22/02/2013 at 11:35:44 HowardAnyone but Neville Jag Distin BainesFellaini GibsonBarkley Mirallas OviedoJelavic Mark Tanton 9 Posted 22/02/2013 at 12:30:26 I can't see us winning here - I think we might get turned over to be honest. Dominic Bobadilla 10 Posted 22/02/2013 at 12:30:26 Paul David, that is exactly the team I would have picked. I have been saying that for ages: play Mirallas behind the striker and Oviedo on the left. Here is a compilation of Ovideo's contributions against Norwich. As you can see, a very decent player who should figure regularly:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FthtOA-ILag Alan Newton 11 Posted 22/02/2013 at 12:36:28 Probably why I'm not the Manager (excusing also the lack of coaching badges) but I would really shake things up this weekend, given we've look absolutely shot in the last couple of games;HowardSeamus, Jags, Distin, OviedoMirallas, Gibbo, Felli, BainesVellios, JelavicAttacking, solid in midfield, big man & goal poacher up front.... 2 wingers Jamie Barlow 12 Posted 22/02/2013 at 12:56:59 What makes you say that Mark? Brian Murray 13 Posted 22/02/2013 at 13:05:26 Come on, Everton, I'll paint the town red... sorry, I mean blue if we get three points! Anything less and I'll feel like a wet weekend. Mark Murphy 14 Posted 22/02/2013 at 13:14:07 Either a scrappy win or a thumping win!Norwich shouldnt be in the same league as us.Depends how Moyes feels about us now re his future or whether he really is offski.as much as Im not a fan of Neville I'm ok with him at right back if Hibbo and Coleman are doubtful.HowardNeville Jags Distin Baines (it aint broke don't fix it)Mirallas Gibson Fellaini Pienaar (ditto - but due a good game!) Osman Jelovic Tom Bowers 15 Posted 22/02/2013 at 12:48:19 It is time to make some changes. We need wins and fast. Finishing in 5th.or 6th. is not an acceptable option after promising so much early on. Apart from missing an in form Coleman this team should beat Norwich who are in a poor run.Having said that we know all too well how Everton seem to let us down in games they expect to win. Anichebe has popped in a few goals of late but I still think Jela, Fella and Kev.are the best options for Everton's offence. Moyes has kept faith with the likes of Neville,Osman and Peinaar but it's obvious these players are not producing what is necessary to take command of games these days. The passing has been very sloppy and giving the ball back cheaply to the opposition even Oldham keeps pressure on Jags. & co. as wel as keeping the opponents in the game.This game is really crucial. If Moyes blows this then it will be obvious he has no better ideas for turning the situation around especially with Arsenal and Spurs having good opportunities this weekend. Sam Hoare 16 Posted 22/02/2013 at 13:47:53 Hope Coleman is fit; having him and Mirallas on the right really gives us attacking options down both flanks. Edward Simpson 17 Posted 22/02/2013 at 13:55:34 Does anyone think Stones could be a god choice for this game, to see what he's made of?If Coleman was fit, he'd be playing of course but I don't see where the opportunities lie for him.I know there are murmurs that him and Duffy will be used at some point.This has to be a win, it will be difficult because of there good home form recently but they do struggle to score it seems.With a fully fit first XI we should be able to get past these, and hopefully Jelavic does find a goal sooner rather than later, preferably this weekend. Jay Harris 18 Posted 22/02/2013 at 14:42:08 The thing that a lot of people don't realise about Duffy is that he is good at scoring from set pieces something that Lescott used to bring to the party.Having said that I would not break up Distin and Jags.Ossie has looked tired in recent games and is not that strong in a 50/50 anyway so I would choose if fit HowardColeman Jagielka Distin BainesMirallas Gibson Fellaini Pienaar Oviedo Anichebe Phil Sammon 19 Posted 22/02/2013 at 14:49:14 EdwardNo, Stones isn't ready from what I've seen. Still a very young lad. Paul David 20 Posted 22/02/2013 at 16:13:02 I don't think we should be asking if Stones is ready or not. Is he better than Neville is all that matters. Steve Guy 21 Posted 22/02/2013 at 16:23:21 Moyes team talk? "Everyone got their knife with them?" Peter Jones 22 Posted 22/02/2013 at 16:33:47 Paul, anyone is better than Neville at either of the positions he plays. Tom Bowers 23 Posted 22/02/2013 at 17:23:33 Just as a matter of interest the only time Norwich has scored 5 goals in the Prem. was against Everton.Everton have conceded in the first 15 minutes more times than any other team apart from the Hammers and the Blues have made the fewest substitutions than any other team and used fewer players than any other team.Everton have had more shots away from home than any other team in the top 5 European leagues apart from Manure.Everton have failed to score in 3 of the last 5 Prem.games.Time to put things right again. Clive Lewis 24 Posted 22/02/2013 at 18:37:17 I believe this is it for 4th we lose or draw and its definitely the end. We have to win the next 2 games and hope spurs lose at least 1. Peter Cummings 28 Posted 22/02/2013 at 19:01:55 Too often lately we have been underestimating teams we should have beaten: Leeds, Villa, Oldham, Newcastle, etc to name a few. If we do this v Norwich, we could come unstuck. We have to do more attacking if we are to progress and stop giving away silly and last-gasp goals by falling back on one-goal leads and inviting the opposition to come at us with the predictable outcome. Richard Farrington 42 Posted 22/02/2013 at 21:08:26 Agreed Ben. I'm looking forward to the game tomorrow. Few beers on the train and hopefully a good day, good laugh in the pub and three points for the toffees. 1-2 my prediction. Max Murphy 46 Posted 22/02/2013 at 21:05:28 Approaching weekends during the season, I used to look forward to the buzz, the preparation for the game, team selection, and of course the match itself.Now, every Friday, I'm filled with trepidation and fear as I watch our manager strive in his relentless pursuit to "rescue" us from a top four finish, in order to leave us languishing in the the "comfort and safety" of mid-table obscurity.If Coleman is not fit, he'll bring in Neville. If Vic is injured, he'll start with Jelavic. He'll keep Heitinga on the bench. I would like to see all 3 of them take a long holiday far way from Norwich as possible. Osman should be benched. I would even play Jags at full-back and bring in Duffy at CB. It's got to be better than having Neville on the pitch. I would play Barkley and start up front with Vellios. Anything has got to be better than the dross Moyes has been serving up. Our first X1 have gone stale – and it's affecting the morale of the team and the bench. We have to freshen things up – we cannot go on watching this crap, week-in, week-out... how many more chances does he need to give to Jelavic???? He's lost his touch – and he's turning into a donkey. Vic isn't much better, but he scrapes. a goal every 4 games. I think at best we can hope for a draw – but I fear Howard is due a major clanger which could lose us the game. As ever, the eternal optimist. Barry Rathbone 49 Posted 22/02/2013 at 21:29:00 44% want Moyes to go at the end of the season56% to stay.According to the Yahoo on line poll 10,000 votes cast to date.Which means he's off, he said he'd go if the fans turned. Nick Entwistle 52 Posted 22/02/2013 at 21:34:11 What's in a question, Barry?Its not 'do you (Evertonians) want Moyes to go at the end of the season'? It is in fact... 'Should David Moyes leave Everton at the end of the season?' not specific at all to Evertonians. And its only 5.000 votes.Take your dirty propaganda filth away with you, Barry! Clive Lewis 55 Posted 22/02/2013 at 21:49:53 On the subject of Norweigans, I am hoping we will be able to say "Billy BluelightWilliam CrotchBernard Matthews Ed Balls Stephen Fry Myleene KlassDelia Smith John TickleYour boys took one hell of a beating." Andrew James 57 Posted 22/02/2013 at 21:32:43 We must beat Norwich. We've thrown away so many daft points (including Norwich at home) that a winning run is key if we even want to challenge for 4th. The lack of business in January was pathetic but the likes of Jelavic have to step up now. I am really hoping that Gibson and Mirallas return to full form because with them doing the business we might concede less and score to make games more comfortable. Tom Bowers 58 Posted 22/02/2013 at 22:28:12 If the midfield continues to be weak i.e. passing and tackling then we will struggle, even tomorrow. Some of these teams lower in the table will be fighting to keep from the bottom three and have some very useful players not to be underestimated.Everton do not possess many high energy players except maybe Baines and Mirallas (still trying to get to his best). They need to be totally focussed tomorrow from the first minute and Moyes should for once not be slow in using his subs.when legs start to tire. Clive Lewis 59 Posted 22/02/2013 at 23:14:59 if we score 1 or more than Norwich we will win Tony Twist 60 Posted 22/02/2013 at 23:07:34 It's a must win game; is Moyes able enough to prepare his team to stop giving goals away within the first fifteen minutes? It is embarrassing the amount of games Moyes has allowed to pass us by without tightening up the defence. The team tomorrow should be:Howard; Coleman (if fit) or Stones, Jagielka, Distin, Baines: Mirallas, Gibson, Fellaini, Oviedo; Barkley (just behind Jelavic) (1st half) / Vellios (2nd Half) or vice versa; Jelavic. I think it is very important to include the youngsters in every game from now on. Bill Griffiths 61 Posted 22/02/2013 at 23:14:19 My team would be, Howard, Coleman (if fit if not Neville), Jags, Distin, Baines, Mirallas, Gibson, Fellani, Oviedo, Piennar, Jelavic.It sickens me to see the abuse that Steven Piennar gets from so called Everton Fans on this site as was the same with Tim Cahill. While I agree he has had a couple of bad games my view is thathe should start every game for us as he is one of the few classs players we have who is csapable of scoring or creating goals.Didn't see the Utd game at all but he was one of the few players who stood out against Oldham despite what some so called fans on this site argue otherwise. Brent Stephens 62 Posted 23/02/2013 at 00:09:14 Peter Barry "keep it tight, track back and let's see if we can nick one and hold on." So that's your prediction, then - KITAP1. James Martin 63 Posted 23/02/2013 at 01:23:03 Isn't KITAP1 Man U's title winning mantra? Haven't Tottenham got loads of one nil wins this season? Haven't we conceded in the majority of games and also scored 2 or more in a fair number of them? KITAP1 indeed. Peter Barry 64 Posted 23/02/2013 at 05:12:13 Brent Stephens — of course it's KITAP1... Does tactically inept Davey Boy know any other way to play? Phil Sammon 65 Posted 23/02/2013 at 05:28:58 As has been mentioned, we need to whip this leaky defence into shape. It's very un-Everton and it's cost us more points than our misfiring front line. People praying for Stones and Vellios to start need to go see these lads play before chastising Moyes. They're not ready. I'd much rather see McAleny and Barkley be the ones pushing for a start. Barkley in particular could be the man to drag our midfield outbid this slump. You just know, however, that Moyes will never displace Osman. I'm an Ossie fan... but he's really dipped of late and I think a fresh face is needed. I await the team sheet with baited breath... Brent Stephens 66 Posted 23/02/2013 at 06:23:12 Doesn't even deserve an answer, Peter. Others have answered that before. Sam Hoare 67 Posted 23/02/2013 at 07:40:56 I suspect today will see another draw further tighten the lid on the coffin of our CL hopes.How about:HowardColeman Jagielka Duffy BainesMirallas Gibson Fellaini OviedoBarkleyJelavicZero chance of that team I would say but would like to see what they could do. Tom Bowers 68 Posted 23/02/2013 at 08:02:58 It would be a complete surprise if Moyes changed his team selection and tactics now. He has proven himself a stubborn manager for 11 years here and that is why he has won us nothing but then I suppose he wasn't worried about that as long as the shareholders were happy and the season tickets sold well every year.To start Oviedo, Vellios or even Barkley would be an admission finally that some of his favourites are not performing and god forgive he would want to upset those. He will persist right to the very end of his tenure as he knows his future is secure at a money club.As mentioned, the next seven days are crucial to defining the season in most Evertonians minds and hopefully things will happen positively so that beating RS on May 4th will not be our only memorable moment of the season. Peter Thistle 69 Posted 23/02/2013 at 09:56:22 Odds are it'll be a draw, good enough to not get beat but not good enough to win. Need a moment of quality from a random individual to snatch a win. Paul Thompson 70 Posted 23/02/2013 at 10:52:11 Peter Barry@596'of course it's KITAP1... Does tactically inept Davey Boy know any other way to play'? Tom Bowers @456'Everton have had more shots away from home than any other team in the top 5 European leagues apart from Manure'. Ian Smitham 71 Posted 23/02/2013 at 11:12:46 Mr Thompson #629, I wholly agree with your sentiments, I thought I was the only person who felt this way. His comments might as well be a series of cut copy and pastes they are that predictable. It is a pity that Everton are not so predictable, for one I would take KITAP1 today and pretty well every away game. Good luck to the supporters going today, I hope you all have a great day out and return with three well earned points. Derek Thomas 72 Posted 23/02/2013 at 12:15:57 Paul and Ian, trouble is we HAVEN'T been keeping it tight and we HAVEN'T been pinching 1. It's got to be 2 out of 2 or nothing.While KITAP1 'may' be a viable for 38 Prem games, boring but viable, it is shown up and shows up Moyes's record in must win games... aka he hasn't got one.The more Moyes (and the team) are put under pressure to win, the more he reverts to type.All our games from now until the end of the season are must win.We need to be luckyWell, ask yourselves, do you feel lucky? Gavin McGarvey 73 Posted 23/02/2013 at 12:12:35 HowardNeville Jagielka Distin BainesMirallas Osman Fellaini Gibson PiennarJelavicI’d be surprised if the team was too much different to that. I think that's a fairly strong starting 11. In my opinion it’s all down to the mentality of the team that turns up. If they’re up for it, I think we’ll do it. It’s always tricky getting results away from home and Norwich tend to score goals (although I hear they’ve been having problems). My prediction: 3-2 to us.COYB Derek Thomas 74 Posted 23/02/2013 at 12:31:26 Pienaar and Anichebe both went off with strains. It will be interesting to see if each or any are a) fit 'enough' and if they are; b) selected. It might give us some indication on where Davey thinks our best chances of success are. Ian Smitham 75 Posted 23/02/2013 at 12:34:57 Derek, that's the point I tried to make, Derek Thomas 76 Posted 23/02/2013 at 13:14:00 Didn't and doesn't come across like that, no offence meant, but you do sound like a die hard Moyesista to me, but hey were all blues and will still be there when he's gone Paul Kelly 81 Posted 23/02/2013 at 13:20:29 Max @ 541 summed it up perfectly. Add Your Comments In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site. » Log in now Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site. About these ads © ToffeeWeb