Season › 2013-14 › News Everton vs Stoke City Lyndon Lloyd , 29 November, 0comments | Jump to most recent Match Preview A second-successive home game offers Everton another opportunity to press their claims for a top-four berth with a much-needed victory as Stoke City come to town this weekend. Daniel Sturridge's frustrating late goal in last Saturday's thrilling but ultimately unsatisfying Merseyside derby forced Roberto Martinez to settle for another draw — the 3-3 tie was their sixth in 12 games and, as was the case last season, the Blues lead the Premier League in draws. Put simply, though they are well placed just off the Champions League places after 12 games, Everton need to start winning matches if that dream of finishing in those prized top-four places is to be realised. Unfortunately, the visit of Stoke, on a four-game unbeaten run in all competitions under new boss Mark Hughes following their spirited, narrow defeat at Manchester United a month ago, will not make for an easy task and Martinez's task is complicated by the loss of Leighton Baines. Article continues below video content The left back sustained a metarsal fracture in last weekend's derby and will likely be out for around a month and that will either see Bryan Oviedo handed the opportunity to impress in his natural role or force some reshuffling on the managr's part akin to that which he executed against Liverpool. Handing Oviedo his first start or playing Gareth Barry at full back, with Leon Osman returning to central midfield, would appear to be the more likely options available to Martinez but he could also dispense with fullbacks altogether and go with a back three. Of equally pressing concern will be tightening up on set-pieces, especially against a physical team who have made scoring from dead-ball situations something of a specialty in recent seasons, particularly under Tony Pulis' one-dimensional stewardship. Under Hughes, they have proven to be a bit more inventive and are now scoring more goals if their last few outings — a 3-3 and a 4-4 among them — are any indication. Once again, the Blues will be reliant on the firepower of Romelu Lukaku and the assists of Kevin Mirallas while Gerard Deulofeu's promising appearance in the derby means that he could be a weapon to be deployed off the substitute's bench in the second half if, as is expected, things are still tight. Kick off: 3pm Referee: Mike Jones Quotes or other material sourced from ToffeeWeb Match Reports About these ads © ToffeeWeb