David Moyes is resting a host of first team regulars for Everton's Uefa Cup clash with AZ Alkmaar.
Moyes rings changes for Alkmaar clash
David Moyes is resting a host of first team regulars for Everton's Uefa Cup clash with AZ Alkmaar.
With a place in the last 32 already assured, the Everton boss has left Mikel Arteta, Tim Cahill, Tim Howard, Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Joseph Yobo all at home for the Group A clash in Holland.
Instead Moyes has confirmed his intention to field a number of youngsters in the clash as the Toffees aim to make it four wins out of four in this season's competition having already seen off Greek side Larissa, FC Nurnberg and Zenit St Petersburg.
Louis van Gaal's side, meanwhile, have never failed to make the last 32 of the competition but need to win to secure a place in Friday's draw in Nyon.
They drew their opening game at Zenit 1-1, then overcame Larissa 1-0 but lost to Nurnberg to sit in third place in the table.
Unbeaten record
The Dutch side do, however, have Europe's longest-standing unbeaten home record, a staggering 32 matches stretching back to 1977.
Everton are currently enjoying a rich run of form and are unbeaten in their last 12 matches, having scored 27 goals and conceded only five and Moyes is determined to extend that run.
In addition to the absence of five key men the Blues are without injury victims Leon Osman, Phil Neville, Alan Stubbs and Nuno Valente for their first ever meeting with Alkmaar.
Van Gaal is missing striker Ari for the clash, as he is serving the final game of a three-match ban.
