Everton vs Boro: preview

It's Everton vs Middlesbrough in the Premiership on Sunday at 4pm as Yakubu takes on his former club. During the week Yakubu had said he felt insulted by comments by Middlesbrough's chairman Gibson, and will be hoping to get one over his former club.

Everton will be without Valente, but Leighton Baines is drafted in. Alan Stubbs was impressive in midweek and could take Joseph Yobo's place. Wessels is no longer in goal due to the retun of Tim Howard.

The midweek Carling Cup victory was Everton's first win in three after two consecutive Premiership losses.

For Middlesbrough, Gary O'Neil returns after being cup-tied, while Mido, Tuncay Sanli and Jonathan Woodgate should also be in contention after overcoming minor injuries. Mark Schwarzer should return in goal ahead of Bradley Jones, but Julio Arca is out for two months.

Starting Line Ups

Everton

24 Howard

02 Hibbert

05 Lescott

15 Stubbs

03 Baines

06 Arteta

16 Jagielka

18 Neville

20 Pienaar

11 McFadden

22 Yakubu

Middlesbrough

01 Schwarzer

02 Young

08 Woodgate

31 Wheater

33 Taylor

04 O'Neil

07 Boateng

10 Rochemback

19 Downing

09 Mido

18 Lee