make a move on Arsenal now!

By: 21 | January 28th, 2009

As the Toffees welcome Arsenal to Goodison, their hopes will be bolstered with the return of Marouane Fellaini from suspension. Missing during the recent Merseyside derby, he has been a tremendous addition since coming over from Standard Liège and at times have looked like he has played with Timmy Cahill for years. Prior to the match, the Belgian international said:

“It’s not just Arsenal but we know we’re not far from the top five,” he said. “We know if we really get our act together on Wednesday and get those points we will be even closer.”

Sitting out the double header with Liverpool was tough on Everton’s record signing but absence has given him a hunger to make a telling return.

“I’m keen to get back. I’ve not been letting it do my head in being out, I’ve just been preparing myself for the big game against Arsenal and making sure I’m in the right shape to face up to them.

“We’re going to try and keep the run going. The main thing is to try to get those three points. We’re at home, we’ve got the crowd supporting us and that will certainly help us.

“You have to remember Arsenal have a slightly more experienced squad than us, certainly a bigger squad than us and lots of internationals as well, but hopefully we’ll match them.”

A victory over the Gunners would pull Everton within two points of fifth spot and conversely Arsène Wenger knows he can’t allow Chelsea and Aston Villa pull too far ahead.

There are few surprises to note of the lineup although Mikel Arteta is questionable and the final decision will come after a pre-match fitness test. Joleon Lescott and Phil Jagielka were magical in defending against the Reds and will need another lock-down performance against the Gunners. On the youth front and don’t expect me not to mention Everton builds great players, Dan Gosling, Jack Rodwell and Lukas Jutkiewicz are all included in the squad list. Arsenal will have Gaël Clichy back from suspension as well as a fit William Gallas ready to complain.

Let me hear from Everton supporters!