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Everton logo
Premier League
Jan 11, 2014 at 3pm UK
 
Norwich logo

2-0

Barry (23'), Miralles (59')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Preview: Everton vs. Norwich City

Sports Mole previews the Premier League clash between Everton and Norwich at Goodison Park, where the hosts will leapfrog Liverpool into fourth with victory.

Everton can leapfrog Merseyside rivals Liverpool into the Premier League's top four with victory over out-of-sorts Norwich City at Goodison Park on Saturday.

The Toffees suffered just one home defeat throughout 2013 and are strong favourites to overcome Chris Hughton's visitors, who were winless in both league and cup competition over the festive period.

Roberto Martinez will give Ross Barkley, who scored his first top-flight goal in the opening-day draw with the Canaries, every chance to shake off the foot problem that he sustained in their FA Cup stroll against Queens Park Rangers.

Leighton Baines is another fitness doubt, but could start despite back trouble in a defence that is already depleted by injuries to regular pairing Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka.

Antonin Alcaraz should continue at centre-back alongside youngster John Stones, and first-choice goalkeeper Tim Howard will probably be restored behind them after completing his three-match ban.

Joel Robles, Steven Naismith, Bryan Oviedo and Nikica Jelavic, despite scoring two against the Hoops, are expected to make way as Martinez reverts to the side that served him so well prior to the New Year.

Norwich could have captain Sebastien Bassong back to lead the side, but Michael Turner, Jonny Howson and reported Aston Villa target Wes Hoolahan may miss out as they battle niggles picked up over Christmas. Alexander Tettey, Elliott Bennett and Anthony Pilkington will definitely not feature.

Hughton is likely to recall top scorer Gary Hooper at the expense of record signing Ricky van Wolfswinkel, who has not found the net since bagging a debut goal against Everton in August, while another summer arrival, Leroy Fer is available again after suspension.

Johan Elmander has been Hooper's regular strike partner in recent weeks, but youngster Josh Murphy may get a go in attack instead, after impressing in the FA Cup third-round draw with Fulham.

Recent form

Everton: DWLWWD

Norwich: DLLDDW

Possible starting lineups

Everton: Howard; Coleman, Alcaraz, Stones, Baines; Mirallas, Barry, McCarthy, Pienaar; Barkley, Lukaku

Norwich: Ruddy; Whittaker, Martin, Bassong, Olsson; Redmond, Johnson, Fer, Snodgrass; Elmander; Hooper

Sports Mole says: 3-0


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Manager Roberto Martinez of Everton looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Everton at Selhurst Park on November 9, 2013
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