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As for the midfield, I think we're only beginning to see what we can be capable of going forward but I think we've been strong in the middle of the park all season. I say that because I think we've generally had the greater balance of the play in almost every game we've played this season. In terms of possession, we were on top in the away defeats at Reading, Blackburn and Charlton - no points was a shocking return, we should have taken at least four points (probably seven) from those games.

I do agree that the defence has played well this season but I think the midfield should take huge credit for that. I mean, when have we really been under the cosh for a sustained period in any game (Chelsea and Arsenal aside, of course)? The workload on the defence hasn't been that great, which makes it all the more galling to concede these silly goals from set pieces. Steed Malbranque has attracted interest from Everton after being told by Fulham manager Chris Coleman that he will never play for the club again as long as the Welshman is in charge.

The former Lyon schemer is proven at Premiership level and would be an astute purchase for Toffees boss David Moyes if he could pull off a move.

Malbranque has already rejected overtures from Middlesbrough and has been linked with a string of other clubs after shunning a new deal at Craven Cottage.

Coleman is desperate to off-load the 26-year-old and the midfielder could soon be running out of options.

Moyes has already strengthened other areas of his squad with the capture of the likes of keeper Tim Howard, defender Joleon Lescott and striker Andy Johnson. anybody know when non evertonia members can buy tickets for the derby match.i was told to ring back today and i would be able to get them but the box office says they still arent available for non members and he didnt know when they would be.as i can only get over once or twice a season i dont really wanna spend £40 on 2 memberships but i suppose ill have to if i really want to go to the game.But If I was picking the team I'd have McFadden up front with Johnson cos McFadden is just much more mobile. When he moves around and comes short for passes from midfield we play much nicer (and effective) football on the floor.

Beattie is just so immobile its hard to believe and because of this I feel our midfield and fullbacks are left with no option but to lob the ball forward which plays into the hands of defenses.

Any chance we could take out a big loan and sign that kid Huntelaar from Ajax before the deadline? His movement as a striker to lose defenders is superb. Beattie should try and learn from him.

I'm not very confident about Saturday I have to say, I can see us struggling to a draw or a 1-0 defeat. I sure hope I'm wrong.




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This weeks other Previews :

7th Jan 2005 Burnley v Liverpool TO RUN! 8th Jan 2005 Birmingham v Leeds TO RUN! 8th Jan 2005 Cardiff v Blackburn TO RUN! 8th Jan 2005 Chelsea v Scunthorpe TO RUN! 8th Jan 2005 Plymouth v Everton TO RUN! 8th Jan 2005 Sheffield Utd v Aston Villa TO RUN! 9th Jan 2005 Arsenal v Stoke TO RUN!