The Toffees are unbeaten in their last six matches, having scored four times in each of their the last three league games, but in four fixtures against Tony Pulis' team they have found the net just once.

That has meant a return of just four points but with the campaign in its final throes Moyes wonders whether Stoke's Europa League exertions - tomorrow's match is their 54th of the campaign - may finally begin to tell.

"It has been a long old season," said the Scot, whose side's distant ambitions of European football were ended at the weekend despite beating Fulham.

"They have had a lot of games, they got through the group stage of the Europa League and they will be disappointed their league position is not further up.

"European football was a great achievement for them but it does take its toll when you are in the Thursday-Sunday scenario - but I would take it.

"I think nowadays it does [make a difference] because I think the players think about it the number of games they play."

Everton had a run to the FA Cup semi-final but, by contrast, Moyes feels his squad is relatively fresh after they had injury problems in the first half of the season.

"Near-enough from just after January it has helped us not having many injuries," he added.

"It has offered us a little bit of freshness. Earlier in the season we couldn't get enough players in the team.

"We have been in decent form since January and have kept ourselves going despite having lost a game here or there."

Injury to Leighton Baines means centre-back Sylvain Distin has filled on the left of defence recently and that may actually be of benefit in dealing with Stoke's tactics at the Britannia Stadium.

"Sylvain has come in and done quite well in a couple of games," said Moyes.

"Just before the semi-final we were able to rotate him, Phil Jagielka and John Heitinga around.

"Sylvain is having to play at left-back so we are fortunate we can get all three in the team right now.

"They have been playing well and their form has been consistent so it is a good position for me to be in.

"You know you are going to have to deal with long throws and balls into your box but that is part of football.

"There is no rule that it has to be played only one way. That is why the Premier League is so exciting because there is a variation of styles.

"Over the years Stoke have been a good side and have improved year-on-year.

"When you look at the opposition you always look to see what they do and try to make sure you deal with it.

"The way they play there are things you have to do to try to combat it but we will go there and try to play our own game."