Leon Osman is almost certain to return to the Everton side at home to Aston Villa on Sunday (kick-off 4pm) after recovering from a hip injury.Everton also have high hopes that fellow midfielder Mikel Arteta will make his comeback after spending time this week back home in Spain having treatment on stomach and groin injuries.

Tim Cahill has returned to Australia for an operation on his broken metatarsal, while this will also be the first game Steven Pienaar has played since signing his long-term contract.

Everton (from): Howard, Hibbert, Neville, Yobo, Lescott, Jagielka, Valente, Baines, Carsley, Osman, Pienaar, Fernandes, Arteta, Yakubu, Anichebe, Johnson, Gravesen, Wessels, Rodwell, Gosling.

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