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Everton look to stop United
18/02/2005 10:30 - (SA)
London - Everton may have beaten Manchester United in the FA Cup final 10 years ago but the memory of that match is unlikely to count for much when the teams meet in the fifth round of this season's competition at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Since 1995 Everton have failed to beat United in 19 attempts and lost eight of the sides' last nine matches at the Liverpool club's home ground.
But the Toffees have surprised many this season with their impressive league form and skipper Alan Stubbs said: "This is the way it should be for Everton.
"We are still fourth in the table, fighting for a Champions League slot, and now we are facing Manchester United for a place in the last eight of the FA Cup.
"Back in the 80s people came here expecting us to be challenging for honours, and it would be fantastic if we could achieve something this season. This season is still very much alive."
Saturday's match will see England striker and lifelong Everton fan Wayne Rooney return to Goodison for the first time since his £29m transfer to Old Trafford.
Elsewhere in the Cup holders' attack, Dutch international Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to return for the first time since being sidelined with an Achilles injury in November.
Meanwhile United players and fans alike received a boost when skipper Roy Keane said he was reconsidering his decision to retire at the end of next season.
'Great influence'
United and England centre-back Rio Ferdinand for one is happy for the 33-year-old Republic of Ireland international to carry on playing.
"He is a great influence on the team, in the changing room and a great person to have in the squad."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, under-fire for his decision to field a 16-man squad without a single British player in it during Monday's 5-1 win over Crystal Palace, may do so again for the visit of Championship Sheffield United to Highbury.
Sol Campbell is still sidelined with an ankle injury which is also expected to keep him out of the Champions League tie at Bayern Munich next Tuesday.
Campbell's fellow England defender Ashley Cole has yet to overcome a bout of 'flu, making him doubtful for the trip to Germany, while Justin Hoyte missed the Palace game through injury.
Star striker Thierry Henry and club captain Patrick Vieira could be among those rested and Wenger said on Thursday: "Some of the players who have played a lot of games recently will get a breather.
"I am talking about Thierry, but he also has a small Achilles problem. Maybe Patrick Vieira too, but I don't know yet."
Premiership leaders Chelsea, still pursuing an unprecedented four major trophies in the one season, travel to Newcastle United where the home side have not won an important piece of silverware since claiming the now defunct European Fairs Cup way back in 1969.
The Magpies are hoping this season, which skipper Alan Shearer has insisted will be his last, will be the one where they end that trophy-less run.
- AFP
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