Everton v Norwich

Roberto Martinez’s Everton welcome Chris Hughton’s Norwich City to Goodison Park on Saturday in a Premier League clash both need to win.

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This game is crucial for both teams but for very different reasons, with the hosts needing a win to keep pace with the top five teams in the league, while the Canaries need to secure some points to keep themselves well away from the relegation zone they have begun to creep toward.

The Toffees, currently in fifth place, have been terrific at home this season, with a solitary loss to Sunderland on Boxing Day the only blemish on their record when playing at what is fast becoming a fortress for Martinez and his charges.

Despite only losing two games this season compared to the Yellows’ ten Premier League defeats, the Spanish coach has said he is weary of the challenge posed by Saturday’s visitors and recalling the opening round 2-2 draw between the two clubs, the tactician has admitted the going will be tough over the weekend for his wards.

“First and foremost you need to highlight they have incredible character,” Martinez explained to reporters. “Chris Hughton is experienced and gets his side organised; they’re difficult to break down.

“They’ve played together for a long time. They’ve gone through highs and lows but they’re always competitive.”

The Blues may have to do without Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin who will all be subjected to late fitness tests to determine their availability, while midfielder Ross Barkley may miss out altogether after picking up a toe injury.

Hughton, meanwhile, will not have the services of Alex Tettey, Anthony Pilkington, Elliott Bennett, Johnny Howson and Michael Turner as all five are out injured, but the 55-year-old manager may be able to welcome back Bradley Johnson, Wes Hoolahan and Sebastien Bassong as the trio are reportedly fully recovered from their respective injuries.

Norwich will look to recently fit-again striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel – who scored the equalizer in the opening round draw the last time these two teams met – to help inspire his team-mates to a good result that will lift them higher than their current 15th place.

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