Match Preview: Sunderland vs. Everton

via The Observer

Daniel Greenwood, Observer reader
Having lost the spine of our side to serious injury, it's unthinkable that Everton are sitting sixth in the table with an FA Cup final to look forward to. In recent years, our season has closed with the quiet seal of European football, a modest achievement that gives David Moyes's boys the games to develop, both on the continent and at home. Sadly, going into the Sunderland fixture, there is a blanket of cloud cast over the club. To lose Yakubu in November to an achilles injury was shocking, though Tim Cahill has filled the void and was a decent outside bet for FA player of the season. To lose Mikel Arteta was worse – where would the guile come from without the Basque? The answer: everywhere. However, with last Saturday came a telling blow, a stinking awful injury to Jagielka. But Jags has played his part this season, and, knowing Everton, I won't rule out another dynamic response from this unbreakable squad of players. We are on the up, and in Moyes we trust.

Due a big game: Jo - It's only because the lad's had a lack of games with stipulations and whatnot. I like him, but he'll prove pricey to retain next season.

Match Preview: Everton vs. Wigan

via The Guardian
by Daniel Greenwood, Observer reader

When Everton were knocked out of the Uefa cup in September, the prospects for the season were grim. Though I never felt we had the financial clout to uproot any of the Sky-four, a battle for European football is now familiar to us Blues. But, as ever, Moyes has pulled it off. Playing a group of fixtures including Liverpool three times and Arsenal and United in close proximity gave Everton the thirst for the challenge. And now we face a Wigan side looking to steal our spot. The task for any team beneath the top four is to keep an eye over your shoulder, but Moyes also knows that a one-game-at-a-time philosophy breeds success, and believe me, if anyone else knows how to get Champions' League football, it's the Stoic Scot. And so we look to beat Wigan and achieve what in September looked so unlikely – a return to the top six.

Due a big game: Jô – The Brazilian has impressed with his positive forward play, but his sour time at City has put his progress back by several months.