Written by Thanis Lim on Saturday, August 14, 2004

After doing some snoop... oops... I mean scouting around a few Everton FC fan sites, here is the report for today's Scouting The Other Side: Everton FC.

Arsenal may be missing a few first team members but Moyes will be worried about his squad as well. Key players including the likes of defender Yobo and striker McFadden, who had been performing really well in preseason, could be out through injuries.

Both had already sat out for recent training sessions - despite playing in the 2-2 draw with Real Sociedad last Saturday. Wayne Rooney and Li Tie are confirmed absentees due to injury while Tim Cahill will be unavailable for selection as he is representing Australia in the Olympics.

I think Moyes is hoping to pair ex-Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell, who has also been delivering the goods during preseason, with James McFadden if permitted. Marcus Bent will surely start his first game in Everton blue if McFadden fails to win his fitness race.

Everton youngster Leon Osman, who has impressed towards the end of last season and preseason as well might get the nod ahead of Lee Carsley to play with Thomas Gravesen in the centre with Steve Watson on the right and Kevin Kilbane on the left of midfield.

Evertonians will be worrying about their defence having to deal with the pace and skill of Reyes if Yobo is unavailable for this match. Moyes might settle for the central partnership of David Weir and Alan Stubbs in defense, with Alessandro Pistone as another option if fit. Gary Naymith's superior fitness should get him the nod over on the left while Tony Hibbert is certain to line-up on the right now.

Moyes will have the luxury of choosing between Nigel Martyn and Richard Wright to play between the posts but I think Martyn will get the nod for his experience. Let's hope Arsenal will keep him busy in the game.

Everton fans think if their team can get us early and disrupt our flowing Wengerball, there is no reason why they cannot get a result against all expectations. However, they will be happy with a draw.

Our team will be missing Campbell, Vieira and Henry who are our key players as well but their replacements are capable of fighting out for a narrow win. Our key player will be Reyes who has been sensational during preseason and even Cygan is in good form. Flamini, Senderos and Robin van Persie might be playing their first Premiership match as well. It will be an exciting match to watch.

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