Everton vs Swansea City: Match Preview

Everton have won consecutive games for the first time this season and will look to pick up another three points as they take on Swansea City at Goodison Park. The team looks to be in great form having defeated newly-promoted Burnley by a score of 3-1.

Team News

Kevin Mirallas and John Stones are the only players in the squad still battling long-term injuries. Darron Gibson picked up a slight knock in training but should be available for selection on Saturday, while Arouna Kone and Bryan Ovideo are returning to full health and may rejoin the team soon.

Roberto Martinez heaped praise upon Samuel Eto'o this week, calling him a "gift from the football gods" after the striker scored two against Burnley last week. Martinez further complimented Eto'o:

He brings that winning mentality to the squad. He wants to win the sprints in training, never mind games, and he knows how to control the big moments in games. He’s done that throughout his career.

The Opponent

Swansea has had a solid start to the season, and currently sit sixth in the table. After registering an important opening day win against Manchester United, Swansea have lost only three games and have four clean sheets to their name.

Swansea assist leader Gylfi Sigurdsson is in a fitness race ahead of Saturday's match after suffering a groin strain last week against Leicester City.

Defender Frederico Fernandez has had his red card overturned by the FA, avoiding a three-match ban. The defender was sent off during Swansea's loss to Liverpool in the Capital One Cup and is now available to play against the Toffees.

What to Watch For

Samuel Eto'o was Everton's best player against Burnley and should certainly be in the starting line-up against Swansea. The signing of Eto'o was a fantastic move at the time and it continues to pay off for this Everton squad. Not only has he been scoring goals, but the former Barcelona player has been a wonderful influence in the locker room, especially for Romelu Lukaku.

As is the story every week, look to see if Everton's defense can remain steady after two straight wins. The team registered two clean sheets against Aston Villa and Lille while conceding one goal to Burnley. The defense seems to be back on track, despite John Stones being out until 2015. Phil Jagielka has improved significantly since the start of the season and has been one of Everton's most consistent defenders as of late.

If he plays, look for Ross Barkley to have a big game. The midfielder has been trying to back to his pre-knee injury form and this might be the game that it happens. He has looked strong in previous games, but I have a feeling the Ross is going to find the back of the net.

Time and TV

Saturday November 1, 2014

UK: 15:00 - Will not appear live on television

US: 11:00 am - NBC Sports Extra Time