Moyes: It's not about me
David Moyes wants the focus to be turned back on his players ahead of Everton's final home game against West Ham.
It seems a forlorn hope.
The
attention has been on Moyes ever since he emerged as the favourite to
succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and now the switch has
been confirmed, the Scot will be centre stage for his final game at
Goodison Park.
It is not the way he wants it, though.
With
outside hopes of a European place still remaining, and a Premier League
finish ahead of Liverpool already confirmed, Moyes feels his players
are the one for whom credit is most deserved.
"I would hate to
think this is about David Moyes," he said. "It should really be about
the Everton players because they have been exceptional.
"I asked
them to be as professional as possible, make sure we won the last two
games and don't let anything get in the way of what they have done."
Striker Nikica Jelavic could be recalled for the clash.
The
Croatian was dropped to the bench for last weekend's goalless
Merseyside derby, but Moyes may want to pair Jelavic with Victor
Anichebe in a more attacking line-up at home.
Phil Neville is
missing with a knee injury, but midfielder Ross Barkley could be
recalled to the squad after missing the Anfield game.
Sam
Allardyce thinks Moyes will have no trouble keeping the lid on his
emotions for the Scot's last home game in charge of Everton.
Moyes
was a surprise choice for many given his lack of Champions League
experience, and his empty trophy cabinet, but Allardyce, who used to
coach Moyes at Preston, has described the Scot as a perfect fit for the
Old Trafford club.
Having enjoyed a stable and successful 11
years at Everton, many fans of the Merseryside club will be sad to see
Moyes go, but Allardyce thinks the 50-year-old will have no problem
focusing his team on trying to secure three points on Sunday afternoon.
Allardyce
said: "It will be the last game at home for David as manager so it will
be an emotional affair for him, but I'm sure, knowing David as I do,
that he will be able to control and calm his emotions and do his very
best to get the team to win.
"I don't expect any favours whatsoever and I hope the crowd appreciate what he has done and that they show their appreciation."
Allardyce has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game.
Defensive duo James Tomkins (calf) and George McCartney (knee) are the only absentees for the Hammers.
The Hammers have not beaten Everton in any competition since 2007.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG