Will Toffees Miss The Yak?

Moyes' misery is further compounded by Louis Saha and Victor Anichebe who are both struggling with respective hamstring and back problems, meaning Everton are likely to face Middlesbrough on Boxing Day and Sunderland 48 hours later without a natural frontman.

David Moyes:"The striker situation is a big worry for us, we still have real doubts about whether Victor or Louis will be available for any of the Christmas games.

"Obviously we are asking a lot of people to do extra jobs and play out of position but they have done that very well.

"They know the circumstances and in a way it makes you stronger because they are working ever so hard for each other.

"Sometimes when needs must then you have to stick together but we are also aware that we can't afford many more injuries or then we really will be short.

"We are looking forward to it and trying to keep our current good run and performances going at this time.

"I think Gareth has a young team and he is trying to mould his team.

"He is having to cut his cloth accordingly, the days when they were signing the big stars has possibly gone for them.

"But they have always had a good academy and they have brought through their own players and Gareth has taken on that and done a good job."