Same Squad For QPR Clash Same Squad For QPR Clash Friday 3rd January 2014 09:40 by Rob UrbaniTwitter@efc_roburbani Distin again absent for the FA Cup third round tie. Watch VideoSame Squad For QPR Clash Roberto Martinez says he will begin his first FA Cup campaign in charge of Everton with the same squad that faced Stoke City on Wednesday. With no fresh injuries reported from the 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium, the Blues boss expects to have mirrored personnel when QPR arrive at Goodison on Saturday. Sylvain Distin missed the New Year's Day clash with the Potters, with later diagnosis suggesting a mid-month return. Martinez said: "It will be exactly the same squad as we had against Stoke. There's nothing else to be aware of. "Sylvain is still recovering from his hamstring problem and won't be available this weekend." With the likes of Tony Hibbert seeking a first appearance of the season following a succession of lay-offs, a role against the Championship outfit may be timely. And ahead of the 3pm third round kick-off, Martinez challenged his squad to grasp the chance to impress if selected. "It's an opportunity for everyone," he added. "Tony has been working well now for the best part of 10 days. I need to assess if that's enough for him to be involved in a competitive game or not. "I don't know if Saturday is going to be too early for him or not, but he's been working well and he's going to be important over the course of the season." Everton to ring the changes for QPR clash Everton manager Roberto Martinez. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images) Everton manager Roberto Martinez. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images) Friday, January 3, 2014 10:36 AM Everton boss Roberto Martinez has indicated he will make changes for Saturday’s FA Cup third-round clash with Sky Bet Championship promotion-chasers QPR at Goodison Park. . .. It means striker Nikica Jelavic could make his first start since September, while it remains to be seen whether or not there is involvement for defender Johnny Heitinga, who is seeking a move but turned down a transfer to West Ham this week. There are no fresh fitness concerns in the Toffees squad but they will still be missing the players who were absent through injury from the 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw at Stoke on New Year’s Day, including defender Sylvain Distin (hamstring). Provisional squad: Howard, Robles, Coleman, Alcaraz, Baines, Barry, McCarthy, Mirallas, Barkley, Pienaar, Lukaku, Oviedo, Hibbert, Heitinga, Stones, Osman, Naismith, Jelavic, Vellios.
