Yakubu: Suspended

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Everton v Blackburn Rovers

Everton will be looking to get back to winning ways when they host relegation threatened Blackburn at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Toffees’ last league victory came on New Year’s Day when Victor Anichebe snuck an 87th minute winner against West Brom, although the Merseysiders’ last outing ended with a credible 1-1 draw against Aston Villa.

Rovers, meanwhile, have spent the majority of the campaign rooted to the bottom of the standings, and while their 3-1 victory over Fulham last weekend lifted Steve Kean’s men up to 17th, they are separated from the drop zone only by goal difference.

In team news, Everton will be hoping to welcome back several key players who missed out on the draw against Villa last week, with the likes of Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka set to be handed late fitness tests.

Youngster Shane Duffy is likely to retain his place in the starting XI after impressing during his first Premier League start last week.

Meanwhile, Rovers will be without their current top scorer Yakubu who is serving a three-match ban following his red card against the Cottagers.

However, the Lancashire outfit could hand loan signing Anthony Modeste his debut, subject to the Bordeaux striker receiving his international clearance.

Wantaway defender Christopher Samba is likely to start in the back-four after Kean rejected the player’s transfer request, claiming the highly rated centre-back will not be leaving Ewood Park.