Looking Ahead: Everton and Jags

Last updated : 23 August 2011 By Bladesmadeditor

1494786The Blades travel to Goodison Park at, arguably, a good time, with the Liverpool outfit currently in turmoil. Many Toffee fans' relationship with the board isn't the best, with Saturday's home defeat to Neil Warnock's Queens Park Rangers adding misery to their woes.

Everton's start to the season has been disrupted, with their Premier League curtain raiser at Tottenham Hotspur falling foul of the recent riots in London.

David Moyes's men finished a more than respectable seventh in last season's top flight.

Speculation, though, surrounds one of their most prized assets, none other than Blades legend Phil Jagielka. Since leaving the Blades following the club's relegation from the Premiership four years ago, Jagielka has gone on to make eight appearances for the English national side and is now one of the most coveted players in the country, with Arsenal rumoured to be chasing his signature.

The 29-year-old made over 250 appearances for Sheffield United, and he remains one of the Blades' greatest players. There is no doubt that he will receive a warm reception from the travelling contingent.

3576273United, meanwhile, enter the game on a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions, beating Oldham, Hartlepool (Carling Cup), Brentford and Walsall on the way, whilst Danny Wilson's men drew one a piece at Everton's neighbours Tranmere at the weekend.

Stephen Quinn should be fit to start the game despite picking up an ankle knock against Tranmere, whilst Ryan Flynn could be back in time to feature.

Everton are likely to be without some of their biggest stars. Tim Cahill, Louis Saha, Jermaine Beckford are probably out due to an illness, bruised knee and lack of match fitness respectively. Seamus Coleman (ankle) and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov (suspended) are also out.

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