Filed under: Everton, Sheffield United, Carling Cup, Football, Match Previews
CARLING CUP: GOODISON PARK, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011. KICK-OFF: 2000 BSTFresh from their much-documented financial woes, David Moyes now claims that a top-10 finish could be out of the question at Everton this season.
Given that the Everton manager, who fell to a delayed opening-game loss to QPR, have failed to sign any new players it's a fair reflection of where his side are.
Yet it's still a statement that is likely to go down like a lead balloon in the blue half of Merseyside.
One way to put your troubles behind you, and dampen the doom and gloom of the restless natives, is by mounting a cup run. And in a competition where Everton have enjoyed little joy in during recent seasons, Moyes should be targeting the Carling Cup as silverware potential.
First of all they have to dispose of a Sheffield United side who will be looking to become the second League One side to inflict a defeat on Moyes in successive seasons.
It was Brentford who did the damage last season. And while that away-day defeat was seen as a major surprise, losing on home soil here would be an even bigger shock.
Sheffield United, now under Danny Wilson as their fifth manager in a year, have fallen from grace and are the big fish in the small pond that is League One. But despite the negative vibes at Goodison Park, Moyes will be desperate to ensure lightning doesn't struck twice.
Because given the current terrace frustrations, it's the last thing he needs.
Key Match-Up: Louis Saha v Neill Collins: The injury-plagued Saha blows hot and cold. But when he gets on a roll, the Frenchman takes some stopping. He will be hoping he can go on one of his goal rushes to kick-start Everton's season. Sheffield United have conceded just three times this season and experienced defender Collins has played a big role in that. He will have his work cut out here though.
Form Guide: Everton, who are a game behind the rest after their opening-match was postponed due to the London riots, slipped to a 1-0 defeat against QPR. Sheffield United are unbeaten in their opening five games.
Odds: Everton 4/9, Sheffield United 7/1, Draw 10/3
EVERTON:
Moyes hopes his Everton side will be in better shape after finally getting their season underway.
Moyes pointed to ring rustiness after his side fell to a surprise defeat against QPR - after their start was delayed by a week.
But after blowing off the cobwebs, Moyes said: "We looked like a team that lacked a couple of games.
"You could see a couple of players aren't quite ready to play just yet, but we've been a bit like that pre-season.
"Against QPR, we just lacked ability at the top end of the pitch to make a difference. Hopefully we can rectify that."
Strategy: Expect Everton to give game time to the likes of Marouane Fellaini, Mikel Arteta and Saha, who were all considered not fit enough to start against the Hoops.
Injury Update: Moyes doesn't have the biggest of squads to choose from. But one player who is definitely absent is Seamus Coleman.
SHEFFIELD UNITED:
It's a new-look Blades this season with Wilson giving his young players their head. But he will need his experienced players here if they want to pull off a cup shock. Among those is Stephen Quinn, who faces a late fitness test.
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