Standard v Everton preview

Pienaar in line for first outing of the season

Last updated: 2nd October 2008

Standard v Everton preview

Pienaar: Fit again

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Steven Pienaar is hoping to make his first appearance of the season as Everton look to overcome Standard Liege in the Uefa Cup.

Everton travel to Belgium on the back of a 2-2 draw at home in the first leg and face a tough task to reach the group phase.

However, the Toffees were in a similarly tricky situation last season when they were held 1-1 at Goodison Park by Metalist before winning 3-2 in the return in the Ukraine.

David Moyes' prospects of knocking out Standard have been boosted by the return to fitness of Pienaar after a broken toe.

The South African midfielder is in the squad for the game and Moyes must decide whether to start with Pienaar or have him on the bench.

Tim Cahill, who was sent off in Saturday's Merseyside derby defeat, is expected to be included in Moyes' starting line-up.

The Australian missed training on Tuesday due to a sickness bug, but has travelled with the squad and should start.

Louis Saha is also pushing for a starting spot up front and Moyes is aware of the qualities the French striker can bring to his side.

Moyes said: "If selected he is a talented footballer who has played at the highest level and played many games of similar importance, so he could be of value."

Everton will definitely be without Marouane Fellaini, with the club's record signing cup-tied after playing for Standard in their UEFA Champions League qualifier against Liverpool.