Osman predicts tough test against Stoke

Midfielder Leon Osman admits Everton's desire to continue playing their free-scoring football of recent times will be challenged at Stoke on Tuesday night.

The Britannia Stadium is a difficult place for visiting teams and despite scoring 12 goals in their last three matches - four apiece in successive league games for the first time since 1964 - the Toffees will not have it easy.

"It will be a test whether we can play the football we have played because we know we will have to compete physically with them," said Osman. "It is going to be a completely different test with a tight pitch and the type of football they play."

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