Premier League preview: Everton v Swansea City

With just a point separating the two sides, Everton play Swansea City at home as David Moyes tries to steer the Toffees up the table.

Everton have not won in their last three games after beating Wolves and Bolton in succession, and their 1-1 draw on Saturday against Norwich City leaves them just four points above the relegation zone.

Moyes’ men, however, have a game in hand and will be able to vault into mid-table if they beat their Welsh opponents.

Seamus Coleman missed the Norwich game with a thigh strain while Jack Rodwell had a hamstring twinge while warming up against Norwich. Both are doubtful to front up for the mid-week fixture.

Argentine striker Denis Stracqualarsi and on-loan Real Madrid winger Royston Drenthe came on for Tim Cahill and Magave Gueve in the second half against Norwich and were a handful in front of goal as Everton came back to snatch a goal through Leon Osman.

With Stracqualarsi’s size and ability to hold up the ball and Drenthe’s speed on the wing, both men might play a part against Swansea with Osman set to continue his fine form for Everton.

After their goalless away draw against Newcastle, Swansea have won just once in their last five games as they dropped to 12th place in the league.

Swansea have not won away in the league this season with all four of their wins coming at home, but they have been defensively sound, earning eight clean sheets, including on Saturday against United.

Captain Ashley Williams has been instrumental in Swansea’s resilience at the back.

Scott Sinclair almost broke the deadlock against Newcastle and with four goals to his name this season, he will be the danger man upfront.

Wayne Routledge kept his starting place after Swansea’s 2-1 win over Fulham and is expected to start after impressing against old club Newcastle.

Midfielder Leon Britton returned alongside Mark Gower in central midfield, and will be counted on to pull the strings for the Swans against a resolute Phil Neville.