Everton vs Swansea preview - Moyes set for Baines boost

Posted Saturday, January 12, 2013 by PA

Everton boss David Moyes is optimistic full-back Leighton Baines will be available for Saturday's Barclays Premier League home clash with Swansea.

Baines has been nursing an ankle problem and Moyes says he is monitoring the England international's condition, but expects him to be fit for the Swans' visit to Goodison Park.

It remains to be seen whether or not forward Kevin Mirallas, sidelined recently by a hamstring injury, is ready to make his return to action.

Moyes has responded to speculation about Toffees midfielder Marouane Fellaini by reiterating he is not looking to sell players in the current transfer window.

Fellaini, a stand-out performer for the Merseyside outfit this season, has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park, with reports suggesting there is a £22million buyout clause in the 25-year-old Belgium international's contract which several major clubs could be looking to trigger.

But when questioned about that this afternoon, Moyes - speaking ahead of his side's Barclays Premier League home clash with Swansea tomorrow - said: "The plan is to keep all of our players.

"I wouldn't be talking about anyone's contracts if I can help it, and I won't do it now."

Regarding potential incoming personnel, Moyes added: "We are trying - we will look around and see what we will get."

One midfielder who is certainly remaining with Everton for the time being is Thomas Hitzlsperger, with Moyes confirming the 30-year-old would be extending his stay at the club until the end of the season.

Hitzlsperger, having been a free agent since leaving Wolfsburg last summer, signed a short-term contract with the Toffees in October that saw him through to this month.

The former Aston Villa, West Ham and Germany player has made seven appearances for Everton so far and asked about Hitzlsperger's future, Moyes said: "We have decided to keep him on. Thomas is going to stay until the end of the season.

"He has played a few games for us now, and he has been around the block a few times. He knows exactly what is required."

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has no new injury concerns.

But the Dane may decide to make changes given the short turnaround from the 2-0 midweek win at Chelsea in the Capital One Cup.

Michel Vorm will return in goal while Kemy Agustien, Nathan Dyer and Danny Graham could all be handed starts with Swansea facing a third game in six days.

Swansea return to Premier League action at Goodison Park on Saturday and will be looking for revenge after being thumped 3-0 by the Toffees at the Liberty Stadium in September.

And Laudrup has told his side they need to quickly move on from their Stamford Bridge success, with the league very much the priority.

"It is our third game this week in three competitions," he said.

"But the league is the most important competition and there are still many games to go.

"We know Everton are a very good team, they are just below the top teams and they played so well here earlier this season and we played badly in the first 30 minutes.

"They are strong and put you under pressure and this will be the third game this week where we are under pressure for some time. The other two have gone well but we know we will have to do very well to come away from there with something."