VIEW FROM THE STANDS: Big week in league and cup

Jan 19 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

THE media’s full of talk about the merits of Man City and Villa and the turmoil at Liverpool and Newcastle, so it’s a massive complement that not an eyelid is batted that Everton are sitting fifth.

For a generation of Evertonians, the fact that being fifth is almost considered ‘the norm’ is bliss in itself. Even among Evertonians, the main focus of attention has been on our cup exploits this season. It’s credit to Moyes and the boys that they’ve simultaneously kept going strong in the league.

Our ability to combine success in the league and cup is going to be tested to the extreme in the next five days with today’s tricky game at Wigan followed by the big one against Chelsea on Wednesday.

As exciting as the prospect of a semi-final at Goodison is, a win against Wigan will give us a massive boost in pushing for fourth spot.

Ex-Blue Marcus Bent is sure to receive a warm welcome from the Blue hordes. Although tears weren’t exactly shed when Bent left us, credit to him as he will represent the biggest threat to us today.

Another player who is now in the ex-Blue category is James McFadden. It’s ironic that after over four years sitting on the Everton bench, the Scot’s left the club when he had the best chance of having a consistent run in the team.

We’re all eager to see Manny Fernandes back in the team and the acting as the driving force from midfield. While Wigan aren’t going to make it easy for him and Arteta to show their silky skills, I’m confident the ability to mix skill with hard work will see us win.