Everton presses for Europa League

By: 21 | February 6th, 2009

Bolton arrives at Goodison Park with Everton pressing for a chance at the Europa League. Six points behind Arsenal, the mission is simple as the Toffees cannot afford to drop points, particularly at home.

With the difficult FA Cup victory over Liverpool on Wednesday evening, there is concern that Bolton’s physical play could create problems. David Moyes said of the match:

“It makes you feel stronger in the next game, that’s the way I see it.

“If you can play 120 minutes, then 90 becomes easy.

“It is always tough when you play Bolton.

“They are making a really good fist of being in the Premier League. The result they got against Tottenham (a 3-2 win) will help them no end.

“We know what we are going to get; we know there’s a physical encounter; a whole hearted honest side – and we have to compete against that.

“If we can keep this form going to the end we have got a chance of catching them.

“I think we have set out the way we have to do it. When I arrived at the Club I was aware that we had very little available for transfers and that hasn’t really changed.

“The chairman has squeezed every penny out and if you look at the last couple of years we have brought in (Marouane) Fellaini and Yakubu, so we have tended to get one signing like that (per season).

“But in the main it’s been the Mikel Artetas for three million, Phil Jagielka for four (millions) and players like Tim Cahill and Joleon Lescott; ones not really at the higher range of the market.

“We just can’t guarantee we can get to the top because we dont have the money that some teams have got.

“I only see that as a manager’s job.

“If you don’t then you are quickly made aware by supporters or the board or whoever. That is my job, I have to try and win games and I’d like to do it with a good style if I can. But if you don’t have the players you have to find another way because that’s your job.”

Marouane Fellaini and Steven Pienaar are both doubtful with Victor Anichebe definitely out. Jô is expected to debut but likely off the bench given fitness level isn’t up to par.