Everton host Bolton on Boxing Day with both sides in need of the points as the hectic festive schedule arrives.
Toffees target Europe, while Bolton aim to avoid the drop
Everton welcome Bolton to Goodison Park on Boxing Day with both sides in need of the points as the hectic festive schedule arrives.
Bolton's recent renaissance under Gary Megson has seen the Trotters climb to 14th in the Premier League and, more importantly, three points clear of the relegation zone.
Megson will be keen to build on that record and Saturday's comfortable 3-0 win over Birmingham as Bolton aim to avoid being drawn into a drop zone scrap in the second half of the campaign.
Everton, though, have their sights firmly set on securing another place in Europe this season and manager David Moyes has hinted that the Toffees have yet to rule out a bid for a place in the top four.
Festive cheer
The season of good will may be upon us, but neither side will be filled with festive cheer as they will both be aware that the top flight's busy period tends to sort the men from the boys.
Blerim Dzemaili, Heidar Helguson and Joey O'Brien have all returned to training for Bolton following recent injuries and could be in contention, but striker Ricardo Vaz-Te remains on the long-term injury list with a knee problem.
Gary Speed, who is on the verge of joining Sheffield United on loan is again expected to miss out after sitting out the meeting with Birmingham.
Moyes is hoping the illness which has hit creative midfielder Mikel Arteta does not sweep through the rest of the Everton camp, while the Toffees boss will also hope to have Tim Cahill available.
Heartbeat
Arteta and Cahill are the heartbeat of the Everton side and the Toffees' faithful will be keen to see the pair back to full fitness.
Cahill pulled out of the clash with the champions in the second half after receiving a knock, while Arteta missed the entire match, and Moyes will be keen to welcome back the influential duo.
Former Bolton captain Alan Stubbs (calf), Leighton Baines (hamstring), Leon Osman (foot) and goalkeeper Iain Turner (hip) are definitely ruled out.
