Stoke City match preview and why good things are Blue

By: 21 | September 12th, 2008

Without debate it has been a disappointing start to the season. While Liverpool’s “other team” sits at the top of the table, this nonsense of the Toffee’s dragging along the bottom must end soon. However “soon” might not be so easy as tomorrows trip to Britannia Stadium to face Stoke City is a delicate twist. After the unsightly, ghastly beating by Portsmouth, this might be just what the doctor ordered or a further nail in the coffin of a dreary start.

Recent Form
Everton – combined (1 W, D, 2 L)(4 GS,6 GA)
Aug 16 Everton 2 – 3 Blackburn
Aug 23 West Brom 1 – 2 Everton
Aug 30 Everton 0 – 3 Portsmouth

Stoke City – combined (W, D, L)(GS, GA)
Aug 16 Bolton 3 – 1 Stoke City
Aug 23 Stoke City 3 – 2 Aston Villa
Aug 30 Middlesbrough 2 – 1 Stoke City

While I jest of this being “easy points” in-truth it is anything but. Stoke is a fine club that will not give in very easily. Their surprising defeat of Aston Villa astounded me and David Moyes will sit up and take notice of the home support and how Tony Pulis rallies his club to be at their best. Scouting reports should take careful note of how The Potters got off to a fast start against ‘Villa and that special care is needed in dealing with their striking combination of Dave Kitson and Ricardo Fuller. They will be without Amdy Faye, under suspension and ‘keeper Thomas Sorensen is questionable.

For Everton, reports of Lars Jacobsen, injured during Denmark’s humiliating defeat of Portugal, are conflicting. I’ve read anywhere from three months to basically in tomorrows lineup. I’m holding out for him in the match but reserved with him out for eight weeks. I’ll update this when I find out more. Segundo Castillo and Birkdale’s own teen-age sensation Jack Rodwell are doubtful. The Toffees will be looking for offensive inspiration from Belgium international Marouane Fellaini.

I’ll be around watching the match so if you want to chit-chat about all things Blue, I’m here –

~ 21 ~