Blues aim to improve their form against cockneys

By Chris Kirwan
May 2 2003

The end of the season is often characterised by games that mean very little, played by players who would rather be ‘larging it’ in Ayia Napa.

But the season has not dropped off for Everton, with Moyes pushing his team towards a deserved UEFA Cup spot. The late goal by Rooney was crucial to the Blues’ hopes, and ensured that they retained their 3 point cushion over Blackburn. Nonetheless the trip to Loftus Road to play Fulham is a vital game for the Blues if they want to avoid having to deny Manchester United maximum points on the final day of the season.

Fulham have had an atrocious season, and are a club which seems to lack a clear plan. They took the strange move of announcing Jean Tigana’s departure during last quarter of the season, they are a club without a ground of their own, and they are not clear of relegation despite spending vast amounts of money. Fulham fans are restless, and Moyes will be hoping to exploit the tension and disillusionment surrounding their team.

At Goodison earlier this season the Blues triumphed over the Cottagers, with Campbell and Gravesen getting on the scoresheet in a 2-0 victory. Moyes would be delighted if he could get a similar victory at the ground that triggers memories of Andy Hinchcliffe curling home a late free kick in the salmon kit against Q.P.R. Moyes told www.evertonfc.tv:

““Fulham have always provided tough opposition. I’ve played them quite regularly over the past few years when I was at Preston, then of course, my first match here was against them.”

“They’ve always been a very good footballing side, but I’ve done well down there and I’ve got a very good record against them in recent years."

The Blues have improved dramatically on their travels this season. In previous seasons Everton rarely won away from Goodison, and while they still struggle at times, they have frequently come away from teams in the bottom half with something to show for their efforts. They have been the 8th best team away from home this season, picking up 21 points, a vast improvement on Smith’s away form.

But the Blues have been awful in London this year. Visits to Chelsea (x2), Charlton, Arsenal and Spurs have yielded……….no points. Only at Upton Park were they successful, with Lee Carsley’s header deciding the game.

It’ll no doubt be yet another tight game, as Fulham have improved under Chris Coleman, but hopefully the Blues can sneak it. And If Fulham are proving tough to crack then Moyes has Big Dunc to ‘rough them up’ as only he knows how.

Team news:Everton: Radzinski won’t be fit, so Rooney will start with Dunc on the bench. Possible recalls for Yobo and Pistone, with Weir and Naysmith suspended. Gravesen, Gemmill and Carsley came back unscathed from international duty.Fulham:Maik Taylor to retain the keeper’s jersey. Marlet out, Saha and Djetou fit.

MATCH PREVIEW FROM www.evertonfc.tv:
“Yobo’s Fulham Test”
“Unsy: It’s more Crucial”