Premier League preview: Everton v Norwich

Everton face an important clash at home against Norwich on Saturday as they look to get their English Premier League campaign back on track.

David Moyes’ men have suffered consecutive defeats and sit a disappointing 12th on the table, three points adrift of 10th-placed Norwich.

The most recent loss was a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal on Saturday, while they were also surprisingly beaten at home by Stoke on December 4.

After a stuttering start to the campaign, Everton have a chance to build confidence with the clash against Norwich, followed by meetings with Swansea City, Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and Bolton.

Paul Lambert’s Norwich made a strong start to life in the Premier League but have won just two of their last seven league matches.

That includes, however, an impressive 4-2 win over a weakened Newcastle United at Carrow Road on Saturday.

Strikers Grant Holt and Steve Morison both scored in the win, taking their season totals to six league goals each as strong options up front.

Moyes has not enjoyed such a luxury in the attacking third, with Everton’s top-scorer, Greek forward Apostolos Vellios, having netted only three times.

The Goodison Park faithful would have expected a greater return from Louis Saha (one goal) and Tim Cahill, who is yet to score, at this stage of the season.

Midfielder Royston Drenthe, on a season-long loan from Real Madrid, appears to be a good acquisition, having set up three goals and scored twice, and the Dutchman could return from a foot injury for the clash against Norwich.

Winning at home has also been a problem for Everton, with just two victories from seven games as hosts.

But they may be bolstered by Norwich’s struggles on their travels, collecting just five points of a possible 21 on the road.

Moyes could again be without midfielders Jack Rodwell and Leon Osman because of hamstring injuries, while Nigerian striker Victor Anichebe is also working back to full fitness.

Meanwhile, Lambert is likely to be missing Belgian defender Ritchie de Laet, while Daniel Ayala and Elliott Ward are both pushing for a return after being sidelined.

Former Everton forward James Vaughan is likely to be out until next year because of a knee injury.