PREM: Stoke v Everton preview


Stoke v Everton preview

Idrissa Gueye will not face Stoke at the Bet365 Stadium, despite his involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations having come to an end.


Gueye's Senegal were eliminated from the tournament in Gabon on Saturday, but Toffees boss Ronald Koeman has emphasised his return to club action will be in this weekend's match against Bournemouth at the earliest.

Everton travel to the Potteries having won their last three league games - form which has won over fans who had started to voice their displeasure at the lack of progress they felt Koeman was making.

Stoke also come into this encounter in good form, having won two of their last three, and have been boosted by the arrival of Saido Berahino, whom boss Mark Hughes hopes with give Stoke a different dimension.

"We want to be able to release him in behind," Hughes said. "And maybe that is something we are going to have to work on because he has attributes that can really help improve us."

Berahino is likely to play some part. The former West Brom striker is not ready for a full 90 minutes having not played competitively since September but Hughes says he is fit enough to feature.

Midfielder Ramadan Sobhi is still at the Africa Cup of Nations. Forwards Wilfried Bony and Mame Biram Diouf have finished at the tournament but it remains to be seen if they are involved. Jonathan Walters, Geoff Cameron, Jack Butland and Stephen Ireland are still out.

Koeman has also confirmed goalkeeper Joel Robles - who has registered four clean sheets in his last five league games - will retain his starting place, once again keeping Maarten Stekelenburg out of the team.


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