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<DIV class=border><SPAN class=headline>LATEST FROM THE REEBOK STADIUM </SPAN></DIV><DIV class=borderBottom><DIV class=sponsorStripTop style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(/javaImages/ec/3b/0,,~2964460,00.gif); WIDTH: 100%; BACKGROUND-REPEAT: repeat-x; BACKGROUND-COLOR: rgb(173,179,188); TEXT-ALIGN: center"></DIV><DIV class=article><DIV class=articleText><DIV class=articleHeadlineAndBody id=articleHeadlineAndBody><H3 class=headline id=headline>Match Preview: Everton v BOLTON WANDERERS </H3><DIV class=articleBody id=articleBody>
SAM ALLARDYCE was encouraged by the news that his international players returned from duty without any major injury concerns ahead of Saturday's short trip to Goodison Park.
With ten of his squad representing their countries during the week, the Wanderers would have faced major selection problems if any of his stars had picked up serious knocks.
The Wanderers boss also revealed that Quinton Fortune and long-term injury victim Ricardo Gardner are nearing a return.
He said: "I am pleased that the international players came through their midweek matches without any real injury worries. The injury list is starting to improve. We had a practice game on Tuesday and both Ricardo Gardner and Quinton Fortune came through without any real complaints. They still might be a week or so off the pace, but it is good to see them back in action."
Allardyce admitted that although preparation for the game against Everton has been hampered due to the international call-ups, the players remain confident they can return to form. "Truncated weeks certainly affect your preparation," added Allardyce.
"We will have only two days to prepare fully for the game against Everton but the lads are confident they can get back on track after recent results.Our record away from home has been terrific and I am not worried. There is enough quality in the squad to get a win against Everton. Despite the draw at Sheffield United, we played arguably our best football of the season and if we can hone in on our concentration we will be fine."
The Wanderers boss also praised his opposite number at Everton, David Moyes, who bought well during the summer.
He said: "I am a big supporter of David Moyes and his efforts at Goodison Park. He has made some astute signings in the close season and has a squad that are difficult to break down. They also capable of scoring goals and even though Andy Johnson hasn't been on the scoresheet of late, we ignore him at our peril. Everton are well disciplined and make it difficult for any team. We know we will have to play to our best to win the game but, as we showed last season when we won 4-0 at Goodison, anything is possible.
"We have to get back to basics and make sure we focus on those key facets.I want us to protect our goal and aim for a cleansheet - that has to be our foremost priority. I do believe there are goals in us and if we create the chances we did against Sheffield United last week, we will continue to hit the back of the net."
The Toffees will be without inspirational midfielder Tim Cahill, who damaged ligaments in an accidental collision with team-mate Lee Carsley.
Probable Squad: Jaaskelainen, Hunt, Faye, Meite, Ben Haim, Nolan, Stelios, Campo, Speed, Tal, Davies, Diouf, Anelka, Walker, Pedersen, Vaz Te, Fojut
Referee: Urian Rennie
To place a bet on this game, visit bwfcBET</DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV>
SAM ALLARDYCE was encouraged by the news that his international players returned from duty without any major injury concerns ahead of Saturday's short trip to Goodison Park.
With ten of his squad representing their countries during the week, the Wanderers would have faced major selection problems if any of his stars had picked up serious knocks.
The Wanderers boss also revealed that Quinton Fortune and long-term injury victim Ricardo Gardner are nearing a return.
He said: "I am pleased that the international players came through their midweek matches without any real injury worries. The injury list is starting to improve. We had a practice game on Tuesday and both Ricardo Gardner and Quinton Fortune came through without any real complaints. They still might be a week or so off the pace, but it is good to see them back in action."
Allardyce admitted that although preparation for the game against Everton has been hampered due to the international call-ups, the players remain confident they can return to form. "Truncated weeks certainly affect your preparation," added Allardyce.
"We will have only two days to prepare fully for the game against Everton but the lads are confident they can get back on track after recent results.Our record away from home has been terrific and I am not worried. There is enough quality in the squad to get a win against Everton. Despite the draw at Sheffield United, we played arguably our best football of the season and if we can hone in on our concentration we will be fine."
The Wanderers boss also praised his opposite number at Everton, David Moyes, who bought well during the summer.
He said: "I am a big supporter of David Moyes and his efforts at Goodison Park. He has made some astute signings in the close season and has a squad that are difficult to break down. They also capable of scoring goals and even though Andy Johnson hasn't been on the scoresheet of late, we ignore him at our peril. Everton are well disciplined and make it difficult for any team. We know we will have to play to our best to win the game but, as we showed last season when we won 4-0 at Goodison, anything is possible.
"We have to get back to basics and make sure we focus on those key facets.I want us to protect our goal and aim for a cleansheet - that has to be our foremost priority. I do believe there are goals in us and if we create the chances we did against Sheffield United last week, we will continue to hit the back of the net."
The Toffees will be without inspirational midfielder Tim Cahill, who damaged ligaments in an accidental collision with team-mate Lee Carsley.
Probable Squad: Jaaskelainen, Hunt, Faye, Meite, Ben Haim, Nolan, Stelios, Campo, Speed, Tal, Davies, Diouf, Anelka, Walker, Pedersen, Vaz Te, Fojut
Referee: Urian Rennie
To place a bet on this game, visit bwfcBET</DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV>