Everton vs Hull City Match Preview
Everton will soon lose the services of American international Landon Donovan. He’ll be available against Hull at the weekend and against Birmingham next weekend. Then the young man goes west to rejoin the L.A. Galaxy.
David Moyes will no doubt miss the American’s contribution to his midfield. Granted, Donovan missed a sitter against Spurs last week and was involved in the clash with Chelsea and England defender Ashley Cole that resulted in a broken ankle for the Englishman. Still, Donovan’s Premier League play has clearly enhanced his status in the game.
The Toffees commenced a good run of form in 2010, highlighted by wins over both Chelsea and Manchester United. But a loss to rivals Liverpool in February and last week’s 2-1 defeat away to Tottenham has taken a bite out of the Toffees.
Several injuries are reported as they square up to play Hull on Sunday. Marouane Fellaini is out for the season, and Philippe Senderos, Tim Cahill and Louis Saha are all injured too.
Hull beat the Toffees 3-2 back in November. Despite the injuries sidelining some players David Moyes will fancy his side’s chances at home against a Hull squad now sitting in the relegation zone.
Hull City will go into the match against Everton at Goodison Park on Tuesday well-rested indeed. Their most recent match, a 3-0 loss away to West Ham at Upton Park, was February 20th.
Whether the rest will be enough to inspire Phil Brown’s men to victory against the Toffees is doubtful. Hull have yet to win away from home this season.
Hope springs eternal, however. And with the return of midfielder Jimmy Bullard near, the longer Hull go without a Premier League match the better. Bullard played for the reserves against Wigan reserves last week and even got on the scoresheet. This Tuesday he featured in a friendly against Doncaster Rovers, and may be deemed fit enough for an appearance against Everton on Sunday.
The Tigers could certainly use Bullard, not just for his inspirational persona, but also because other injuries and a suspension limit Phil Brown’s selection. Craig Fagan was sent off against West Ham and so he’ll be out. Defender Anthony Gardner is injured as are midfielders Geovanni and Dean Marney.