Everton v Hull City preview

Moyes: Hull challenge

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: Everton 2 Hull City 0

SKYBET odds: Everton 2/5, Draw 10/3, Hull City 8/1

One to watch: Mikel Arteta

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Everton can continue their push up the Premier League with a win over relegation-threatened Hull City on Sunday.

The Toffees now only have the league to play for having been dumped out of the Europa League by Sporting Lisbon, and will be favourites to take all three points when the Tigers travel to Goodison Park.

Hull are in big trouble at the wrong end of the table and currently occupy the third and final relegation place.

Phil Brown's men are level on points with Wolves in 17th, but they come into the game on the back of successive defeats.

The Tigers were well beaten 3-0 by West Ham last weekend and the defeat at Upton Park was preceded by another away reverse - 1-0 at Blackburn.

With Portsmouth seemingly doomed to relegation as they prepare for a nine-point penalty after entering administration, the likes of Burnley, Wolves, Wigan, Bolton and Hull are all in for a nervy end to the campaign.

Hull managed to stay in the top-flight on the final day of last season, prompting jubilant celebrations from Brown and his team, and they will be desperate for a repeat this term.

However, with Everton looking like a formidable force once more following the return of a number of injured players, a positive result for the away side on Sunday seems unlikely.

Team news

But the Tigers could be boosted by the return of talismanic midfielder Jimmy Bullard.

Bullard, who moved to the KC Stadium for £5million from Fulham in January last year, has had a torrid time with injuries since his arrival.

The 31-year-old has missed the last three months with a knee injury, but he has been building his fitness up and played 75 minutes in a behind-closed-doors game against Doncaster on Tuesday.

Brown admits Bullard has put his name in the frame to start at Goodison, but insists he will not risk further complications by rushing him back into the team.

Ian Ashbee is a long term absentee, while Dean Marney, Kamel Ghilas and Geovanni are also not expected to feature. Craig Fagan is suspended following his red card against the Hammers.

Anthony Gardner suffered an injury at Upton Park and could miss out.

Everton were beaten 2-1 by Tottenham last weekend but this followed an impressive 3-1 victory at home over Manchester United.

Midfielder Tim Cahill could be back in contention. The influential Australia international is still to return to training after suffering a calf injury two weeks ago but has not been ruled out by boss David Moyes.

Phil Jagielka, recently returned from a long-term knee injury, is doubtful due to a slight thigh strain, as is Leon Osman after a blow to the foot.

Top scorer Louis Saha (hamstring) is again ruled out and James Vaughan will be assessed after suffering a knock playing for the reserves in midweek.

In defence, Philippe Senderos (hip) is hoping to prove his fitness but Tony Hibbert (groin) is still out. Marouane Fellaini (ankle) will miss the rest of the season.

Hull and Everton have already met twice this term, with the Tigers coming out on top with a 3-2 win in the league, although Everton got their revenge with an emphatic 4-0 Carling Cup triumph.

Brown's men have not found the back of the net in eight of their last 10 away games in the top-flight, including the last four.

Possible starting XIs:

Everton: Howard, Baines, Distin, Heitinga, Neville, Rodwell, Arteta, Pienaar, Bilyaletdinov, Donovan, Anichebe.

Hull: Myhill, Zayatte, McShane, Mouyokolo, Dawson, Boateng, Hunt, Kilbane, Cairney, Zaki, Altidore.