Everton take on Swansea City at home in the Premier League on Saturday, as they look to cement their position in the top six teams in the league as they aim to secure qualification to at least one of the two major European competitions next season. The Merseyside club currently lies in fifth position with 36 points from 21 matches, two points behind Chelsea who have one match in hand and two points ahead of Arsenal in sixth who are yet to play West Ham United, which means they could easily overtake the Toffees.
David Moyes, the Everton manager will be aware that the Welsh club will be no pushovers as they have proved over and over again already this season, winning away at Arsenal and drawing at home against the mighty Manchester United as well as beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in midweek in the semi final of the Capital One Cup. Moreover, the Scottish manager will also be nervy about the lack of goals from his side, particularly the off patch of star striker Nikica Jelavic.
Although the Toffees did thrash Cheltenham Town in the third round fixture of the FA Cup last Monday, they will know that the non-league side don’t come close to comparison with Michael Laudrap’s side and a much tougher test awaits them on Saturday at Goodison Park.
Swansea, on the other hand, are flying high, particularly after their midweek win against Chelsea. Although they scored after two lucky breaks, the Swans completely outplayed the European champions at their own stadium and thoroughly deserved their victory. Moreover, in new Spanish signing Michu, they have one genuine match winner that most mid-table Premier League clubs cannot boast of and his transfer for £ 2 million at the start of the season is genuinely proving to be the bargain of the season so far.
They have another in form striker in the form of Danny Graham and although he has been linked with a move away from the Liberty Stadium, the Danish manager will not let one of his star players to leave so easily and that will inspire Graham to give the match his best shot as he looks to secure a starting place for himself in the club.
Whatever the result, the Everton versus Swansea City match will be one of the most thrilling matches of the season, taking place on the same weekend as the big North West Derby.