Blues set for Toffees' test

Mark Hughes is prepared for a tough test as City prepare to play host to Everton this afternoon.

David
Moyes’ side come into the game on the back of a home defeat to Aston
Villa, but their record away from home this season is one of the best
in the Barclays Premier League, with only Liverpool and Chelsea having
bettered their five wins on the road this term.

City lost both
games to the Toffees last season but the boss is looking to our
attacking instincts at home as he says: “It's always a difficult game
against Everton. Physically they are always strong and they don't
concede a great a deal of ground. They don't allow you much space in
behind them, and away from home they look to get people behind the ball
and break from midfield areas.

“They’re struggling with injuries
to front men at the moment and that will always have an impact. When
good players aren’t available in those attacking positions it can
affect the outcome of games as we know ourselves. It’ll be a strong
test and one we need to overcome.

“Obviously we’re at home and
we’re looking to be positive again, but there’s no reason why we can’t
do that and take advantage of them losing a few key players in key
positions.

“From our point of view we will always look to be
positive at home. We are hoping to have some options up front, Robbie
is obviously a slight doubt but we're hopeful that he will come
through.”

Of his opposite number, now in the Goodison Park hot seat for six and a half years, Mark adds:

“David’s
been there quite some time and he must be up there with the longest
servants. Six years at Premier League level is quite exceptional in
fairness, and that’s due to his ability as a manager.

"He’s had
difficult times building a team and making sure confidence is high.
He’s had difficult seasons and outstanding seasons as well, but as a
manager he is proven at this level and you have to say that as a club
Everton are in good shape.”