Preview: Everton vs. Stoke City

Everton manager Roberto Martinez is likely to make changes to his side for the visit of Stoke City on Boxing Day.

The Toffees succumbed to a 3-0 defeat at Southampton last weekend to leave them sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

Defender John Stones could be handed his first start since October after recovering from an ankle injury ahead of schedule.

Steven Pienaar and Aiden McGeady may also feature as Everton look to improve on a run that has brought just seven points from their last six league games.

Despite several impressive results this season, Stoke sit in 13th position in the standings and boss Mark Hughes will know that they will be drawn towards the danger zone if they don't pick up points over Christmas.

The Potters' only win in six games has come at home to Arsenal, but despite suffering defeat to Chelsea on Monday night, Hughes will be relatively satisfied with the performance levels of his team.

However, alterations are expected for the visit to Goodison Park with midfielder Charlie Adam one player who could start on Merseyside.

Everton:

Premier League: WLDLWL Form in all competitions: LDLLWL

Possible starting lineup: Howard, Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Baines, Barry, Besic, Barkley, Pienaar, McGeady, Lukaku

Stoke City:

Recent form: LLLWDL

Possible starting lineup: Begovic; Bardsley, Shawcross, Muniesa, Pieters; Cameron, Nzonzi; Walters, Adam, Arnautovic; Crouch

Sports Mole says: 2-1