MX23RW : Sunday, December 15 02:59:47| >> :120:20347:20347:
[monks data]
Southampton logo
Premier League
Apr 26, 2014 at 12.45pm UK
 
Everton logo

2-0

Alcaraz (1' og.), Coleman (31' og.)
FT(HT: 2-0)

Antolin Alcaraz receives Martinez backing

Everton boss Roberto Martinez tips defender Antolin Alcaraz to shine in the Toffees' remaining Premier League games this season.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has tipped defender Antolin Alcaraz to shine in the Toffees' remaining Premier League games this season.

With Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka ruled out of the trip to Southampton today, the Paraguay international is expected to partner John Stones in the heart of the defence.

The encounter at St Mary's would be only the 31-year-old's third start of the league campaign, but Martinez is convinced that the veteran's experience can aid his side's Champions League qualification ambitions.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "I think Antolin's biggest strength is his mentality. I've seen him many times playing for Paraguay in the worst possible circumstances against the best strikers in world football and he's been able to cope with that with ease.

"He has incredible composure on the ball. I've seen him face Brazilians in the Copa Libertadores. I've seen him score against Italy in the 2010 World Cup which got his country a 1-1 draw.

"He reads the game well, understands the play and he's outstanding in the air. Then he's good in one versus one scenarios so as a defender he has a real advantage on strikers because of those attributes."

The Merseysiders can move into the top-four with a win over the Saints, kickoff for which is scheduled for 12.45pm.

ID:151812: cacheID:151812:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2578:
Written by
Shane Callaghan
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Everton manager Roberto Martinez shows his emotions during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Cardiff City at Goodison Park on March 15, 2014
Read Next:
Preview: Southampton vs. Everton
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Chiefs
@
Browns
6pm
Ravens
@
Giants
6pm
Jets
@
Jags
6pm
Cowboys
@
Panthers
6pm
Washington
@
Saints
6pm
Dolphins
@
Texans
6pm
Bengals
@
Titans
9.25pm
Colts
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Patriots
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Buccaneers
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Steelers
@
Eagles
9.25pm
Bills
@
Lions
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City158342721627
6Aston Villa167452425-125
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Fulham166642422224
10Brentford157263128323
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton153661421-715
16Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!