Bothroyd on his way to Everton

Bothroyd on his way to Everton | The Sun |Sport|Football

Everton manager Moyes believes Bothroyd, 29, can be as successful as Jermaine Beckford, who was snapped up on a free from Leeds a year ago and went on to score 10 times in his first season.

"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics."

The fact that Beckford scored ten times for Everton - only eight in the league - surprises me, but not as much as the lowered expectations of Moyes and Everton. If Bothroyd can only be as successful as Beckford - who looked lost in the Premier League for much of the season - then he won't be a very successful buy at all. And Everton will continue to rely on Louis Saha's goals... which they can't rely on, and haven't relied on. To the detriment of their league standing.

I know there are financial issues at play, but this just won't work in today's Premier League landscape. The likes of Spurs and Villa (not to mention Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool) will be thrilled to read today's "news".

Everton Team News

Preview: Everton v Reading (19.30)

Saha, who has been troubled with a hamstring injury of late, crashed his Ferrari into a fence on Sunday but David Moyes has included him in his squad to face the Championship side.

Marouane Fellaini is a major doubt, however, after aggravating an ankle injury in Saturday's Premier League victory over Sunderland and a decision on his fitness will not be made until closer to kick-off.

Jermaine Beckford could miss out because of a groin problem, while the fitness of Tim Cahill and Victor Anichebe will also be checked before Moyes names his starting line-up.

Paying attention to the team news as Everton are 2-gamers next week (@NUFC, BRM) providing this FA Cup tie doesn't require a replay.

UPDATE:  Everton team: Howard Neville Baines Jagielka Bilyaletdinov Saha Arteta Distin Osman Coleman Rodwell

Beckford seals Goodison move

Beckford seals Goodison move

Jermaine Beckford has now completed his move to Everton and penned a four-year deal at Goodison Park.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed an excellent couple of seasons at Leeds and has now been rewarded with a switch to the Premiership, after netting 31 goals for the Elland Road club last term.

The squad-building continues.