Everton v Boro preview

In-form sides meet at Goodison

Last updated: 16th November 2008

Everton v Boro preview

Yakubu: Could return after injury

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: Everton 2 Boro 1
Sky Bet odds: Everton 5/6 Draw 12/5 Middlesbro' 7/2
One to Watch: Tim Cahill
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Two in-form sides meet at Goodison Park on Sunday as Everton play host to Middlesbrough.

David Moyes' side are in red-hot form having won their last three in league competition, including a remarkable late show success at West Ham last time out.

Boro are brimming with confidence after winning at Aston Villa last weekend and are unbeaten in four since their 5-0 mauling at the hands of Chelsea.

Gareth Southgate's troops with be out for revenge on The Toffees having lost both of last season's league meetings by a 2-0 scoreline.

Striker back?

Everton boss Moyes could have star striker Yakubu back for the visit of his former club after he missed their 3-1 success at Upton Park with a heel injury.

Louis Saha is sure to keep his place up front after his late brace against The Hammers, although it remains to be seen if Victor Anichebe stays on as his strike partner.

Should Yakubu and Saha line up in Moyes' attack it would be just the fourth time this season the pair have combined to make up Everton's front line in the league.

Everton could also have midfielder Steven Pienaar back after an ankle problem, while Marouane Fellaini will return after suspension in place of youngster Jack Rodwell.

Unchanged

Southgate could well name an unchanged side from that which claimed a late 2-1 win over Aston Villa last time out.

Justin Hoyte should keep his place at right-back meaning David Wheater will have to settle for a place on the substitutes' bench.

With Mido still struggling with a groin strain Tuncay Sanli is sure to retain his partnership with Afonso Alves with Jeremie Aliadiere staying on the right wing.

Didier Digard has started all four of Boro's last four Premier League matches and should retain his midfield place ahead of Julio Arca.

Possible starting XIs

Everton: Howard, Neville, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Osman, Cahill, Fellaini, Arteta, Yakubu, Saha.

Middlesbrough: Turnbull, Hoyte, Riggott, Pogatetz, Taylor, Aliadiere, O'Neil, Digard, Downing, Alves, Tuncay.