By Chris Kirwan
November 8 2002

Everton go into Saturday’s game looking for a fifth success in a row. Which one of us could have thought we would be seeing an Everton side in joint fourth position in the Premiership and playing with confidence and solidarity when Walter Smith’s side were destroyed at the Riverside?

Come 3 p.m. on the likelihood is that I’ll be struggling to stay awake, not due to the game being as dull as a Walter Smith post-match interview, but because of my warped body clock courtesy of the Ashes. While everybody else is on G.M.T. and are sleeping between 12.00 and 7.30 I’m wide-awake watching Skysports’ coverage. This could create problems come Saturday afternoon, but at least the Sunday repeat of the Premiership will be at a more suitable time for me.

Moyes will be expecting the Blues to continue their impressive run, and to maintain their unbeaten record at Goodison. Charlton come into the game after struggling to a draw against Sunderland in a televised game that hardly had the nation on the edge of their seats. Charlton looked poor, and like a side low on confidence, but have the advantage of a midweek rest courtesy of Oxford United. Hopefully the Blues won’t play poorly as a consequence of their exertions against Newcastle; of course it could work the other way, the players could be buoyed by yet another notable result.

One setback from the Worthington Cup victory was the injury of Tobias Linderoth. You’ve got to feel sorry for the Swede, he’s had an undistinguished start to his career at Goodison, but in recent weeks he was really starting to look the part, and it was looking as though he had overtaken Li Tie for a midfield berth. His absence will most likely lead to either Carsley or Pembridge moving into a more central role, and either Watson or Naysmith taking a place on the flank. Watson must be the favourite after scoring the second goal at St. James’ Park, and it would allow Carsley to move into his more favoured position. It would also be a shame to break up the partnership of Unsworth and Pembo, who are working extremely well together and give a solid look to the left side.

Elsewhere Moyes will probably recall Yobo, Hibbert and Radzinski to the starting line-up, and Rooney will return to the bench. If Gravesen is fit, he could replace Li Tie who had a poor game at Newcastle. Charlton are missing old Goodison favourite Graham Stuart, and are likely to stick with the side that drew with Sunderland.

Other News

-Rooney has won the ITV ‘Goal of the Month’ for October with his strike against Arsenal.
-Keith Southern has left Goodison for Blackpool. It was always unlikely that he’d break into the first team, as the Blues have plenty of midfielders ahead of him in the pecking order.
-Naysmith’s been named in the Scotland squad that will play in Portugal on November 30.
-Vandals have attacked the Rooneymobile that young Wayne’s dad uses to drive him to training. The Blues are set to buy the family a new home, but Wayne wants to stay close to his Croxteth pals.
-Sir Bobby Robson has accused David Weir of "getting away" with smashing Laurent Robert's cheekbone. Robson made the accusation from his old person’s home but was soon calmed by the nurses.