Defensive headache for Moyes ahead of Benfica clash
Yobo adds to Moyes' defensive headache
Thursday, 22, Oct 2009 02:30
By Michael Younger.
Everton manager David Moyes faces a defensive headache as the Toffees prepare to take on Portuguese giants Benfica at the Estadio da Luz tonight.
The Toffees currently sit top of their group following wins over BATE Borisov and AEK Athens and another success in the Estadio da Luz tonight would see them place one foot firmly in the knockout stages.
The trip to Portugal is set to be Everton's toughest test yet, as Moyes' side will be without senior players Leon Osman, Steven Pienaar, Mikel Arteta, Victor Anichebe, Joseph Yobo, Phil Neville and Phil Jagielka, who all miss the game through injury.
And Moyes said: "We have a few injuries but I feel we have sufficient strength; that is what we do at Everton, we fight hard for each other."
Everton will also be without John Heitinga and Lucas Neill through ineligibility, meaning that veteran full-back Tony Hibbert could be pressed into action at centre-back again, following a similar switch in the last European game against BATE.
Benfica have won one and lost one of their opening two European encounters but will pose a significant threat to Everton with a host of international stars at their disposal.
The hosts will be without the injured trio of Jose Shaffer, Luis Felipe and on-loan striker Kerrison.
The Portuguese attacking formation of former Barcelona and Real Madrid ace Javier Saviola, Portugal international Nuno Gomes and Argentine schemer Pablo Aimar will be looking to punish the reshuffled Everton backline as Benfica need to secure all three points to stand any chance of qualifying for the last 32.