Pienaar And Saha Step Up Their Game As FA Cup Final Looms Large For Everton

In the buildup to the FA Cup final on May 30th Just Football columnist and Betfair writer Tom Mallows returns to assess his dear old Everton, the players in form and the potential team selection headaches facing David Moyes.

For Evertonians it is only a matter of days now before the big day and for the players there is just one more match to negotiate.

With the distraction of the FA Cup Final looming large it would have been easy for Everton’s players to switch off in recent weeks and coast through to the end of the season. This temptation will have increased when they saw team-mate Phil Jagielka’s cup dreams dashed by an awkward fall against Manchester City last month. But credit to the players and the motivational skills of David Moyes as his side have picked up points and risen to fifth with one game remaining in the 2008/2009 Premier League season.

The question of who will start at Wembley won’t keep Moyes awake at night – there simply aren’t enough fit players to make it difficult. But the one conundrum Moyes might have is, with Jo cup-tied, whether to start with Louis Saha. The former Manchester United man has again struggled with injuries this year and has had more of an impact from the bench. But two goals against West Ham on Saturday in a 3-1 win, despite having a generally quiet game, may force Moyes’ hand.

The alternative is to play Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini up front. The two midfielders performed admirably over the winter when The Toffees had no fit forwards and gave John Terry and Alex all sorts of problems when Chelsea came to Goodison Park in December. If they did push forward it would probably mean a starting place for Jack Rodwell. The skilful 17-year-old has shown maturity beyond his years and I have no doubt he could handle the occasion. My hunch however is for Moyes to start Saha, with Rodwell providing the extra energy boost from the subs’ bench.

One player who is certain to start, fitness permitting, is Steven Pienaar. When creative force Mikel Arteta suffered knee ligament damage in February, Moyes called on his other midfield players to up their game and make up for his absence. The little South African has certainly done that with some excellent performances in recent weeks. He has formed a useful partnership with Leighton Baines down the left flank and will look to cause Jose Bosingwa some problems in two weeks’ time.

Before then is a tough trip to the banks of the Thames to tackle Europe-chasing Fulham. Traditionally a bogey ground for the Blues I wouldn’t be surprised if we end up losing and could sacrifice fifth place if Aston Villa beat Newcastle. However as long as they escape with no more injuries I think it’s a safe bet that not too many supporters will be disappointed.

What should Everton’s starting lineup be against Chelsea on May 30th? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment. Fancy writing a column for Just Football on a particular team? Get in touch and let us know!

England, Everton, FA Cup, Louis Saha, Tom Mallows