Moyes Raring To Go

Boss excited ahead of Premier League opener.

David Moyes has expressed confidence in the quality of his side on the eve of the Blues’ Premier League opener.

The Everton boss signed Belgian forward Kevin Mirallas at the weekend and is hopeful of bringing more new faces to Goodison Park before the end of the month.

The Scot also believes his early moves for midfielder Steven Pienaar and forward Steven Naismith have given his preparations a boost and is now desperate for the action to get underway against Manchester United tonight.
 
Moyes said: "I'm really looking forward to it getting started. I was excited by the way we finished the season last year and I've roughly got the same team and the same players so it gives me a good feeling, good optimism and I think this summer with the Olympics, the European Championships and all of that, I think everybody is ready to get the Premier League started again.

"Is there a right way [to prepare]?  If you win all the [pre-season] games it doesn't guarantee you're going to win all the games once the season starts. I've always thought if you can get your recruitment done early that does make a big difference to what you do. We've got a couple of players in so we've done our business a little bit there. We're fine.

"I think we've got quite a good team. I think we're short on numbers, but I think we've got a good 13, 14 players I can use and rely on and I've got some young players who are getting ready to come into the team as well.

"I'm content with the group of players I've got, happy with the team I've got, so as far as that's concerned I'm pleased."

Moyes hopes a positive outlook created by new signings and last season's impressive end of season form can prompt a good result against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.

"Over the years we've had so many strange starts to the season, mainly not particularly good ones," Moyes added. "But you can't dismiss where we tend to finish and I think where we finish is where most pundits and most people would put Everton. We'll try to get off to a good start, we'll try to be up at the top if we can but the opposition we've got are very hard.

"You've got to play every team twice in the league - that's the one thing that doesn't change. You can sometimes play teams at a good time or bad time but nobody knows because we're going into the first game. It's a tough game for us but it's a tough game for Manchester United too.

"I think we give our fans a boost as often as we can. Our supporters know that we’ll go out there and play the best we can and we’ll try to win, there's no doubt about that. And we'll make it as competitive as we have done over the years for Manchester United on Monday.

"I think the games when anyone plays against Manchester United are special and also I think playing at Goodison is special, so it's a great opening game for us. I think to open the Premier League season at home is a good boost for everyone and I hope we can turn up and give the supporters a show."

Tickets for tonight's game are still available but selling fast. Buy yours now by clicking here, calling 0871 663 1878 or visiting the Park End Box Office.