New shape for post-Gravesen Everton

Thomas Gravesen’s imminent departure to Real Madrid will see Everton starting life without the Danish star at Middlesbrough on Sunday and with a re-structured midfield.

An insight into the future was seen at Plymouth in the FA Cup last weekend when Kevin Kilbane occupied a more central midfield place behind Lee Carsley and Leon Osman, rather than his usual position on the left wing. Tim Cahill and James McFadden can expect more prominent roles now too.

Steve Watson is still likely to be out with a stomach muscle problem, while Joseph Yobo is fit to play despite dislocating a finger at the Home Park cup tie last weekend.

Duncan Ferguson is available again after his three match ban while Iain Turner will continue as the substitute ’keeper with Nigel Martyn still out.

Provisional squad: Wright, Hibbert, Weir, Yobo, Stubbs, Naysmith, Pistone, Carsley, Cahill, Osman, Kilbane, McFadden, Beattie, Bent, Chadwick, Turner, Ferguson.