Everton finally return to action are 10 days mulling over the Semi-Final Carling Cup defeat at the hands of Chelsea. After Nigeria provided a miracle in the ACON, Everton are still without their Super Eagles. Everton won the last fixture between these two sides 3-1 at White Hart Lane, but under Juande Ramos, Tottenham have become a different, fitter side.

Leon Osman faces a late fitness test before this match, after being brought back from injury too early, due to a lack of numbers in the squad, after James McFadden moved to Birmingham. Tim Cahill are also suspended for this match after the duo picked up yellow cards against Chelsea 10 days ago. On the other hand, Tottenham have slowly risen up the table with Ramos in charge, and have certainly splashed the cash. Jonathan Woodgate arrived in £8 million deal, alongside the near-complete deal for Gilberto. Alan Hutton is also set to arrive from Rangers in a similar priced deal, but will not be eligible to play against Everton.

Everton have only bought in two players so far this transfer window, Dan Gosling, the highly rated Plymouth youngster, and Manuel Fernandes, in his second loan spell at Everton.

With such a depleted squad, Everton may just be happy to escape with a draw against Tottenham.