Everton are ready to make the run in for fifth place now against Arsenal, after finishing their other commitments and have more time to rest players than the Gunners.

Everton put on a superb display of football last week against Boro after being 1-0 down at half time, with Louis Saha staring as a second half subsitute once again. The problem for Everton has been mostly going forward and with the injury of Arteta, it looked an impossible task, but Saha, Cahill, Osman and Jo have taken up the responsibility to put in tough performances to help them grind out the results.

Stoke City have a scoring threat of their own in James Beattie who has hit the net regularly for them, and after a 10 day rest he would be ready to fire some goals. But the good thing for Everton is that they have maintained clean sheets in 4 out of their last 6 games, the only 2 being against Manchester United and Boro last week.

Everton will come in front of the Goodison faithful not boasting the best home record, but with the support of the fans to guide them through for this important game to put pressure on the Gunners who face Blackburn.