Ian Snodin: Everton FC players steeling themselves for toughest physical test against Stoke

Everton FC boss David Moyes and Stoke City manager Tony Pulis at Goodison Park

AS THE players begin to arrive back at Finch Farm today from their various international matches and mini-breaks, they’ll begin steeling themselves for one of the most daunting physical tests in Premier League football aka facing Stoke City.

It was like when I was an Everton player and we saw Wimbledon up next on the fixture list.

You definitely prepared differently for the game.

It was nothing specific like extra weights sessions or anything like that, it was more the mental preparation.

David Moyes’s team is jam-packed with tough customers who won’t take a backwards step, but even after we played them at the Britannia Stadium Sylvain Distin admitted that its like facing a team of giants.

Of course having both Marouane Fellaini and Steven Pienaar suspended makes the job of beating the Potters that extra bit harder.

Any team would miss players of their ability, but if Everton get the ball down and play to their strengths they will get a result.

In terms of planning, at least you know what to expect.

There’s going to be aerial bombardment, they’re going to get the ball from back to front quickly, and they’re going to be physical.

Basically, you’ve got to get your head around the certainty that your body is going to go on the line.

I’m not sure whether playing the game at 5.30pm is a help or a hindrance.

Personally I wouldn’t like to be starting a game after all the 3pm fixtures have ended.

I always preferred the traditional 3pm Saturday afternoon kick off time.

On the flipside at least Everton, and more importantly the Goodison supporters, will know how the other results have gone and be able to evaluate the added importance of getting three points.

Make no mistake the fans will be roaring the lads on especially with the added needle in this fixture after what happened at the Britannia when Fellaini was sent off.

Every game between now and the end of the season is going to be massive for the Toffees, so while I’m not saying they will want to win any specific fixture more than another – at least on Saturday they will know whether Arsenal and Spurs have won their fixtures and cranked even more pressure up in the race for the top four. The incentive will be fresh in their minds.