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Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton

Lyndon Lloyd , 8 February, 0comments  |  Jump to most recent
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Everton's Champions League qualification credentials will undergo another potentially stern examination on Sunday as they travel to London to face Tottenham Hotspur.

Having suffered a setback at Anfield 10 days ago with defeat to Liverpool, the Blues hauled themselves back into the chase for the top four with victory over Aston Villa. That, combined with dropped points by both those rival clubs last weekend means that Everton come into this weekend's programme in 5th place, a point above Spurs and two behind the reds in 4th.

While important in the context of that jostle to finish in the Champions League qualifying places, the win over Villa was just as vital in terms of the team's psychology. With Roberto Martinez content to stick with what he had and wait for his injured stars to return rather than gamble on transfer deadline day, grabbing three points despite being weakened in a couple of key areas was a big boost.

With Romelu Lukaku sidelined again this weekend with an ankle injury and neither Lacina Traore nor Gerard Deulofeu likely to be risked from the start, Martinez faces the same need for a big performance from those players he will have available against a Spurs side still adjusting to life under new manager, Tim Sherwood.

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The Spaniard will be bolstered by the likely return to the starting line-up of Seamus Coleman whose pace and goal threat have been a big miss at right back in recent weeks. The Irishman was named on the substitute's bench last weekend but was, sensibly, un-used by Martinez and he wil hopefully be raring to go this Sunday.

Barring any late injury problems, the manager's main decision will be which combination to employ in midfield. Ross Barkley started last weekend but was replaced at half time as he continues his recovery from a foot fracture and Steven Pienaar proved influential as his replacement in the second half, while Leon Osman, Aiden McGeady and Steven Naismith are all pushing for inclusion as well.

Whoever lines up across the middle, the Blues' key man could well be Kevin Mirallas who has stepped up in Martinez's time of need superbly in recent weeks. The Belgian's unpredictability and ability to turn a match will be crucial if the White Hart Lane edition of this match-up is anything like the tight 0-0 draw at Goodison Park earlier in the campaign.

Everton arguably edged that contest but couldn't find a way through Spurs' defence but though Sherwood boasts an array of attacking talent — not least the rejuvenated Emmanuel Adebayor — there will be plenty of self-doubt on which the Blues can play following the Londoners' 5-1 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City in their last home game.

Realistically, a point would be a satisfactory return from this game, setting up another must-win fixture at Goodison next week against Crystal Palace but if Everton could pinch all three points from White Hart Lane for the first time in five seasons, it would be a big statement of Martinez's intentions as the season's home stretch approaches.

Kick off: Sunday at 1:30pm
Referee: Mark Clattenburg

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