By Chris Kirwan
March 4 2003

Everton come up against a Goodison legend tomorrow when they face Kevin Ratcliffe’s Shrewsbury Town in the third round of the FA Cup.

The Blues will not only have to overcome a tenacious lower league side but also the Gay Meadow conditions. Shrewsbury is right up there with Bangladesh in the flooding stakes, and Ratcliffe has warned that the environment will suit his players a great deal more than their Premiership opponents. The Blues will certainly need the midfield to function well, and perhaps the scene is set for the likes of Gemmill to perform well. Stubbs and Weir will need to maintain their high standards, and the return of Unsworth will come as a great relief to Moyes. Once again it is up front that the problems are coming from. With only Radzinski and Rooney fit who knows what will happen if one of them picks up a knock…. Steve Watson up front?!

The Blues faced a potentially tricky tie in the opening round of the Worthington Cup and came through with flying colours and I’m sure we’d all be delighted with the same result against Shrewsbury as we got at Wrexham. But one thing that Moyes will be relying on if the Blues are to have a good cup run is a far friendlier draw than he received in the Worthington Cup. Trips to St James Park and Stamford Bridge would not be appreciated, but if we do get past Shrewsbury the vast number of all Premiership matches in the 3rd round will help our chances. But first things first we need to take care of Shrewsbury who are fresh from a New Year’s Day thumping at the hands of Rushden and Diamonds. The conditions won’t help, but the Blues should dispose of a side that they beat in the Pre-Season. I don’t care if the Blues ‘win ugly’, as long as the unbeaten run continues.

Team News:Joseph Yobo (knee) and Gary Naysmith (dead arm) as well as striker Kevin Campbell (ankle) are doubtful. Gemmill could start, Unsorth’s back.