Everton 1 - 0 Zenit St Petersburg

Everton v Zenit St Petersburg: Preview

Updated: December 4, 2007, 6:21 PM UK

Everton have fitness doubts over defender Joseph Yobo and goalkeeper Tim Howard ahead of their crucial UEFA Cup group A clash with newly crowned Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg.

Yobo has an ankle injury while Howard has been suffering from sickness this week, leaving boss David Moyes with concerns as he plans for a match that sees Everton needing just one point to qualify for the next stage.

With veteran defender Alan Stubbs also still out with a knee problem, Moyes may have to play Phil Jagielka in defence, with German keeper Stefan Wessels on stand-by.

David Moyes' men go into the match on the back of a 0-0 draw against Portsmouth on Saturday, but the previous weekend, they showed their attacking strength by beating Sunderland 7-1.

And Moyes knows that the test of his emerging squad is only just beginning. The Zenit game starts a programme of eight games in 24 days that will shape their season.

Two European matches, a Carling Cup quarter-final and league clash at West Ham, plus matches with Arsenal and Manchester United.

Such demands will stretch Moyes' squad to the limit, and he accepts that the Zenit test will be Everton's most demanding European game so far.

Everton are unbeaten in eight games, and Moyes said: 'We have a couple of gears to get better, but we are beginning to take off and move on.

'We are in Europe and a steady Premier League side improving each season.

'Europe is important, but as we move on in the season you have to decide where it comes in the order of things. And at the moment it is behind us doing well in the Premier League, but I certainly want to qualify for the next stage.

'It was only a couple of years ago that Middlesbrough qualified for the final, and we want to do the same.

'But now we aim to win this group. I want to keep winning because it gives us confidence and a growing understanding of how to handle European games.

'Zenit are the best side in our group and we have to match them. They are Russian champions and unbeaten in this group, so (manager) Dick Advocaat has done a very good job there.

'I remember him from Rangers and I have had several chats with him when I have asked advice on Dutch players, he certainly has done a very good job with Zenit.'

Advocaat knows his players face a stern challenge against a Toffees side who have already taken maximum points from their two group games.

He told PA Sport: 'I have still to watch their game against Portsmouth but Everton have gone eight games unbeaten so you cannot do that if you don't have quality in the team.

'I know their players are hard-working and physical but they have a lot of talent as well.'

But Advocaat wants his players to raise their game one more time before going on holiday.

Zenit have clinched the Russian title and taken five points in the UEFA Cup group stages already, and the former Rangers boss wants his side to nail a place in the round of 32 on Wednesday.

'My players are looking forward to the holiday, it won't be long before the new season begins,' he said.

'It has been a long hard season for them although it is a nice feeling to be champions.

'I hope they can focus for one last time and realise how important this game is to the club.

'It is our last match of the season and it will be a hard game. Five points would normally qualify you but we have to see what happens.'