Hi and welcome to the forum
Yes, you do need to remove the big cover to access the servo.
You might be lucky and have a snorkel fitted but they were generally introduced in 2003, you should be able to see it before you remove the cover at the near side end.
James
Home to black Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 V6 Q4 ,green MGF VVC and red MG Maestro T16.
MG - the friendly marque.