Everton scrape past Stoke courtesy of a wonderful solo strike by Kevin Mirallas. The Toffees produce a second clean sheet in succession but for their visitors, there was little reason to be cheerful. Here’s the Stock Check from Saturday’s final encounter…
On the Up
Kevin Mirallas
The Belgian grabbed the only goal of the game as Everton registered a third straight victory, following wins over Reading and City at Goodison. Mirallas has now scored or assisted in each of his last three at home and has now started six of the last seven – while he offers potential for double Gameweek 33, his propensity for picking up injuries will always be a concern; he limped off clutching his thigh with 10 minutes left on the clock.
The Everton Defence
David Moyes was boosted by the return of Tim Howard and Phil Jagielka after recent back and ankle injuries respectively. Tonight’s 1-0 win saw the Toffees register back-to-back clean sheets for only the second time this term, having kept out City in the previous Gameweek – with QPR, Fulham and West Ham their final three visitors, their chances of further defensive points at home look strong.
Leighton Baines
With Marouane Fellaini and Steven Pienaar suspended, David Moyes solved his midfield dilemma by intriguingly rolling out a 3-5-2. This afforded Leighton Baines license to patrol the left flank in an even more advanced position than normal, with Seamus Coleman on the opposite wing, but with a trip to Tottenham next, it remains to be seen whether Moyes will risk operating with a three-man backline.
Going Down
Stoke Defence
Owners of Asmir Begovic and co were left disappointed after the Potters failed to keep out their opponents once again. While Tony Pulis aren’t giving too much away – they’ve conceded more than one goal just once in the last seven – it’s a single clean sheet in 13 now for Stoke. Marc Wilson’s 3.9 price tag and security of starts may be enough to persuade his owners to hold, though, particularly with three home matches in the next four.
The Stoke Attack
Going forward, Stoke are even less impressive. Their blank at Goodison means they have scored just once in the last five Gameweeks, with a recent shift to 4-4-2 making little difference to their attacking potential – struggling at both ends of the pitch, they are just four points clear of third-bottom Villa, having played a game more than Paul Lambert’s side. Villa are next to the Britannia in what looks to be a vital encounter.
Bonus Predictions – Courtesy of the Bap Chap
Sunderland 0 Man United 1 – Van Persie 3, Vidic 2, Young 1 (in the mix Carrick, Buttner, Smalling)
Arsenal 4 Reading 1 – Gervinho 3, Cazorla 2, Arteta 1 (in the mix Mariappa) (top 2 very tight)
Man City 4 Newcastle 0 – Silva 3, Clichy 2, Kompany 1 (extremely tight)
Southampton 2 Chelsea 1 – Rodriguez 3, Lambert 2, Terry 1 (in the mix S.Davis)
Swansea 1 Tottenham 2 – Vertonghen 3, Bale 3, Sigurdsson 1 (the 1 is very low and open)
West Ham 3 West Brom 1 – Carroll 3, O’Neil 2, Collins 1
Wigan 1 Norwich 0 – Kone 3, Beausejour 2, Alcaraz 1 (very low and open behind Kone, no gimmes)
Everton 1 Stoke 0 – Mirallas 3, Jelavic 2, Distin 1 (in the mix Gibson)
