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Players Abroad of Friday, 31 October 2014

Source: africanfootball.com

Eto’o and Bony battle for bragging rights

The highly anticipated battle between Swansea and Everton is set to separate African stars Wilfried Bony and Samuel Eto’o in England this weekend.

The two Premier League sides lock horns on Saturday afternoon at Goodison Park and all eyes will be on Cameroon’s Eto’o and Ivory Coast’s Bony.

Looking at the hosts’ previous three games, Everton beat Burnley 3-1, Aston Villa 3-0 and lost to Manchester United 2-1.

The visitors have drawn against Newcastle United, lost 2-1 to Stoke and defeated Leicester City 2-1.

The 33-year-old Eto’o will look to add to his 12-goal tally when they host Swansea and considering his manager Roberto Martinez’s belief in him, Eto’o is likely to play a part in the outcome of this clash.

Everton legend Bob Latchford has been vocal about the veteran’s arrival at Goodison Park saying he’s a perfect mentor for their big Belgian forward Romelo Lakaku.

“We all know Samuel's quality - he's been around a long, long time," said Latchford.

“When you've got an older striker who's been around and played at the highest level, at World Cups and so on, it's good for you, because you're seeing what he does and you can only learn from that.

“That benefits Romelu's development and I thought it was a good signing to bring Samuel in.

"Romelu has got a lot to learn because he's only a young lad but he's big, he's strong, he's powerful and he'll not only link up the play for you, he'll run at defences.”

Meanwhile Swansea will count on the Ivory Coast-born Bony to continue with his prowess in front of goal; he scored twice to help demolish City and his manager, Garry Monk, says the 26-year-old’s contribution is vital.

“I know they're judged on goals and that's their job but it's what they contribute to the team," Monk said.

"Even when he wasn't scoring goals he was still contributing very well to the team and that's important."

The hosts are placed in position nine while the visitors are at position six, the match will kick off at 15:00.