Everton v Tottenham Hotspur- Preview

Last updated : 05 January 2011 By DSG

Everton are without defender Phil Jagielka for the visit of Tottenham in the Barclays Premier League. The England international aggravated a thigh strain on his return to action in Saturday's loss at Stoke and will also miss next weekend's FA Cup tie at Scunthorpe.

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John Heitinga (knee) could replace him if he passes a fitness test but winger Seamus Coleman is also doubtful after a blow to the ribs. Top goalscorer Tim Cahill is on international duty with Australia at the Asian Cup.

In recent years Spurs have been bracketed with Everton in a cluster of clubs chasing the traditional big four, but boss David Moyes accepts a gap has now opened up.

The Scot said: "They're having a great season and are probably getting more coverage than any other team in the Premier League at the moment, and rightly so. At the start of the season I thought there were a few teams who could have a good go at winning the Premier League and I think Tottenham have shown that.

"It is something which has been coming, the club has continually invested in players. I think you would expect them to come through. We have been competing with them over a few years, finishing fifth or sixth, but I think Tottenham have always had that financial clout that comes from being a big club in London.

"They have got a massive squad. Look at the spending they have put into the club over the last few years. They're probably as big spenders as most clubs, including Chelsea. Not as big as Man City, obviously, but up there with the best."

Alan Hutton and William Gallas are injury concerns for Tottenham. Hutton suffered a foot injury against Fulham and is rated as "touch and go" by manager Harry Redknapp while Gallas is nursing a tight hamstring.

Jermain Defoe and Younes Kaboul are suspended while Carlo Cudicini (shoulder), Tom Huddlestone (ankle), Ledley King (groin), Jamie O'Hara (back) and Jonathan Woodgate (groin) remain sidelined.

Redknapp has urged the Los Angeles Galaxy not to scupper David Beckham's potential move to Tottenham by dragging their heels over a decision. Beckham is keen to return to Europe during Galaxy's close season, with a view to proving to England manager Fabio Capello he deserves a recall to the national side.

The 35-year-old would have to return the United States for the start of the Major League Soccer season, which kicks off with Galaxy playing the Seattle Sounders on March 15. But Spurs are still waiting to hear whether the Galaxy will sanction the move - and Redknapp admitted any significant delay would force him to have second thoughts.

"I haven't heard anything for a few days. I was looking at (signing him for) at least three months really," said Redknapp.

"If it is a very a short-term thing it can be a problem, as much as I would like him and I am a great fan of his. He would be great to have around the place. As a player, as a person and as a professional he is top class. He'd be a great role model for the young players."

Source: DSG

Source: DSG