Preview: Everton vs. Fulham

Everton will be looking to get the better of a resurgent Fulham when they host the London outfit at Goodison Park in the Premier League on Saturday.

While Roberto Martinez's side have been impressive so far this season, collecting 28 points from 15 matches and climbing up to fifth, Fulham picked up their first win since October 21 last weekend.

The Cottagers' 2-0 home win against Aston Villa was new manager Rene Meulensteen's first success in charge and saw them move up the table to 18th on 13 points.

It was also Fulham's first victory in eight matches and halted a run of seven defeats in a row, leading to suggestions that the London club may finally have turned the corner.

However, inflicting the first home defeat of the season on the Toffees will be no mean feat, especially as the Merseyside team have beaten Manchester United and held Arsenal to a draw both on their travels in their last two matches.

Everton will be without the suspended James McCarthy, while left-back Leighton Baines is still a fortnight away from full fitness.

Tony Hibbert is struggling with a minor knock and will not recover in time for Saturday's encounter, while Arouna Kone and Darron Gibson are long-term absentees.

Fulham are likely to have striker Darren Bent in their starting lineup, although Fernando Amorebieta remains doubtful.

Recent form

Everton: DDDWWD

Fulham: LLLLLW

Possible starting lineups

Everton: Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Oviedo; Osman, Barry; Mirallas, Barkley, Pienaar; Lukaku

Fulham: Stekelenburg; Riether, Senderos, Hughes, Riise; Sidwell, Parker, Karagounis; Bent, Berbatov, Kacaniklic

Sports Mole says: 2-1