Match Preview - Everton (h)

[Jourdan]

The Rams head into tomorrow’s Pride Park clash in confident mood after picking up their first point on their travels last Saturday at Fulham’s Craven Cottage. The hosts also have the opportunity to haul themselves out of the relegation zone provided they come away with the 3 points against an Everton side looking to build on their 3-1 win in the UEFA Cup against Larissa on Thursday and extinguish memories of last weekend’s controversial loss to Liverpool.

Last Time At Pride Park

Derby 3-4 Everton (2001/02)

Recent History

The Eighties were arguably the highlight of Everton’s history, as they won two league titles (1984/85 & 1986/87), the FA Cup in 1983/84 and the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1984/85 under the management of Howard Kendall. Only Joe Royle’s tenure as manager has seen the club lift a trophy since, with their 1995 FA Cup final victory over Manchester United courtesy of Paul Rideout’s winner, being the sole piece of silverware won since the club’s 1987 top flight triumph.

David Moyes’ reign has indicated that the club may be on the path to emulating former glories. Under the Scot, the club have qualified for the Champions League and the UEFA Cup through strong league finishes, but are yet to make significant strides in European cup competitions under the former Preston boss. The Evertonian faithful will be hoping that the side can build on last season’s top 6 finish and make considerable progress in the league and all cup competitions this season.

Summer Signings

After securing UEFA Cup football last season, the Everton board have coughed up the cash hoping to propel the club to greater success. They spent a club record £11.25m to entice Middlesbrough into letting go of star striker Yakubu. Prior to this, they boosted their defensive options by capturing talented left back Leighton Baines from Wigan for an undisclosed fee. Utility man Phil Jagielka also headed to Goodison Park, after they paid £4m to Sheffield United. The club have also exploited the Bosman and loan markets to lure Stefan Wessels (free), Thomas Gravesen (on loan from Celtic) and Steven Pienaar (on loan from Dortmund) to Merseyside. Emerging talent Lucas Jutkiewicz completed his move from Swindon Town in the summer also.

Form

After picking up 10 points in their first 5 league games, Moyes’ men have stuttered since, losing 4 of their last 5 Premier League games, including narrow losses to reigning champions Manchester United and rivals Liverpool. Yet there is still room for optimism as the Merseyside club have negotiated the first round of the UEFA Cup with a 4-3 aggregate victory against gutsy Ukrainian side Metalist Kharkiv and also won their opening fixture in the group stages with a 3-1 triumph over Larissa. They have also progressed to the 4th round of the Carling Cup thumping Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 at Hillsborough in Round 3.

Predicted Line Ups

Derby – Bywater, Mears, Moore, McEveley, Griffin, Fagan, Oakley, Pearson, Lewis, Miller, Howard

Everton – Howard, Yobo, Stubbs, Lescott, Baines, Pienaar, Cahill, Arteta, Osman, McFadden, Yakubu

Ones to Watch

Mikel Arteta – The 25 year old central midfielder has become the star attraction in the Toffees’ midfield after arriving at the club initially on loan from Real Sociedad in January 2005. He signed for £2m ahead of the 2005/06 season and has gone from strength to strength in his time at Goodison Park. Renowned for his creative influence, he is one the Derby defence will have to pay close attention to tomorrow.

Joleon Lescott – After coming through the ranks at Wolves, Lescott was regarded as one of the country’s brightest prospects whilst at Molineux. But the Birmingham-born defender missed out on Wolves’ most recent season of top-flight football as a knee injury put him on the sidelines during the whole of the 2003/04 season. Yet the 25 year old was not to be denied as impressive form for Wanderers earned him a move to Goodison Park prior to the 2006/07 season. Showcasing his capabilities at both centre back and left back last season, he has become an integral part of the Toffees’ defence and is on the verge of a full England cap.

Key Battles

Arteta vs. Oakley – Skilful Spaniard Mikel Arteta will most likely be hassled by the hardworking Matt Oakley. Frustrating the influential midfielder could prove key to any chance of the Rams keeping a clean sheet.

McFadden vs. Mears – Right back Tyrone Mears will have to keep an eye on the versatile James McFadden, who can play as a left winger or supporting striker. The Scot is well known for his tidy technique and impressive goalscoring ability from long-range.

Miller vs. Lescott – Being former teammates at Wolves, they will be very familiar with each other. It will be down to Lescott to use his pace to keep the energetic Kenny Miller on a leash, as the Scot has proved to be the Rams’ primary goal threat in recent weeks, scoring 2 goals in 5 appearances.

Odds (courtesy of Ladbrokes.com on 27/10/2007)

Derby to win – 11/5
Draw – 9/4
Everton to win – 6/5

Virtual Betting

3 bets have registered – 2 in favour of the Rams claiming their second win of the season (2/1) and 1 expecting tomorrow’s game to be a draw (9/4). You can tip the Toffees to win at odds of 11/10.

Jourdan predicts…1-1

[kierand]

Cmon U Rams!!!