Everton v Leeds, (Goodison Park, 8 p.m.)

Leeds boss David O'Leary is again without Gary Kelly and Jonathan Woodgate through injury, while a doubt hangs over whether Lee Bowyer will play.

Midfielder Bowyer faces the prospect of a mad dash from his court case in Hull to Merseyside through rush-hour traffic, or there is the possibility he could be flown to the match.

Whatever the outcome, it is just the latest problem for O'Leary to contend with in a season he would rather forget.

"This has been a very difficult season - one I haven't enjoyed," revealed O'Leary. "But it is one in which I and the players will emerge better and much stronger people for it.

"I've also learned a great deal. I think I've learned more this season than in my previous two seasons with the club."

"I've learned about people within the club and the players. It's been a good education."

His Everton counterpart Walter Smith reckons he can handle the pressure as his job comes under scrutiny from disappointed fans.

The Goodison Park chief readily accepts that two home games in four days will have a major impact on Everton's troubled season.

But he's unmoved by the limited calls for his head and general criticism of his role at Everton.

He said: "The criticism is something everyone has to handle and it's part and parcel of my job as a manager. You feel a responsibility rather than any real pressure."

Smith, who will have Duncan Ferguson and Stephen Hughes back from injury added: "Things that have been said are not really out of order. If the team's not doing too well then the manager takes the responsibility for that."