Osman suspended

Everton will be without Leon Osman at home to Blackburn after the Wigan-born midfielder picked up a fifth booking against Liverpool last weekend.

Loan signing Manuel Fernandes has the chance of making his debut, having been an unused substitute in the Merseyside derby.

Everton have gone three games unbeaten since they were dumped out of the FA Cup by Blackburn at Goodison Park last month, and will be looking for revenge after that 4-1 mauling.

Provisional squad: Howard, Hibbert, Lescott, Stubbs, Yobo, Naysmith, Arteta, Carsley, Cahill, Fernandes, Neville, Beattie, Johnson, Vaughan, Anichebe, Wright, Van der Meyde.