Summary: Consistant Everton take on early high flyers Hull City in what promises to be a pulsating contest. Everton are a team in fine form despite playing the last month with no recognised strikers. This is no longer the case with Anichebe returning to the fold but strong team ethics and the fine form of midfield duo, Arteta and Fellaini, have ensured that Everton have a realistic opportunity at Europe next season. Following an incredible early season run, Hull City look to be fading, with only a single win in their last 12 competitive fixtures. Everton's high publicised missings in attack remain with Saha, Yakubu, and Vaughan still not within sight of returning. Better news is that midfield cover Segundo Castillo is available again after injury. Hull City may regain the services of Gardner, Dawson and Folan in a squad with very few injury concerns.
Verdict: Everton have kept 5 clean sheets in a row (all competitions) and will fancy themselves against a Hull City team who have conceded 14 goals in their last six outings, the most in the Premier League! Everton's home form has been poor till this stage with only 2 wins but that seems to have strengthened in the last month with positive results against Chelsea (0-0) and Sunderland (3-0 win). Arteta is arguably the most in-form player in the Premier League at the moment and with fellow midfielders Pienaar, Osman, Cahill, and Fellaini in fine fettle, Everton just have too many guns for a stuttering Hull City side.
