Everton face a QPR side on Saturday in a game that is vitally important for both, but for very different reasons. QPR will now need to win the majority of their last 6 games in order to survive the Premier League drop, whereas Everton need to win all home-games to have a chance at breaking into European places.
Team News
There is plenty of good news for the Toffees’ boss David Moyes, as Steven Pienaar and Marouane Fellaini are now eligible after returning from suspension. The Everton gaffer also welcomed news of Tony Hibbert returning to training and playing 90 minutes for the reserves this week. This means that the Everton squad is in full force to face QPR, although there are some niggles as reported in an open training session where Leon Osman and Phil Neville were not to be seen and Kevin Mirallas finished early.
Hibbert is most likely to return to the bench.
QPR have similar strength in their squad, with long term absentees Shaun Wright-Phillips and Luke Young the only ones not available for Harry Redknapp on Saturday. Left-back Armond Traoure will under-go a late fitness test.
Threats
Loïc Rémy is the dangerman for this one, with 5 goals in 8 games since joining up with the QPR team. The Frenchman is a brilliant poacher and will look for any scraps that the Everton defence might give him.
Remy is the man to watch out for.
Another threat is that of on-loan man Andros Townsend. The young winger is direct, energetic and has the ability to provide that crucial final ball. Either Seamus Coleman or Leighton Baines will be hoping they will be pinning him back, instead of the other way round.
Everton Predicted Line Up
Howard
Coleman Jagielka Distin Baines
Gibson Osman
Mirallas Fellaini Pienaar
Anichebe
QPR Predicted Line Up
Cesar
Boswinga Hill Samba Traoure
Jenas M’Bia
Park Taarbat Townsend
Remy
Match Officials
Referee: Mr L Mason
Assistant Referee: Mr A Garratt
Assistant Referee: Mr S Beck
Fourth Official: Mr A Taylor