It feels strange to be making our way to Hill Dickinson Stadium for a 3pm kickoff on a Saturday for the first time.
While Everton are not yet in the ‘must win’ situation a torrid run albeit against difficult opposition leaves the club in 14th and just five points above the relegation zone. The good news is that they are also just six points off the Champions League places.
With the league so compact a win against a fellow bottom half side can make a huge difference the club’s outlook.
Everton versus Fulham will not be shown on UK TV because it is being played during the 3pm blackout, a rule put in place to protect semi-professional and amateur football attendances.
The game is being shown in the USA and fans across the water can watch it free using a free trial to FuboTV. You can sign up and watch the game free if you are based on the USA here.
David Moyes press conference notes
David Moyes attended a short press conference on Friday where frustrating he was not really asked about team news. He did confirm Iliman Ndiaye will be available after his knock against Sunderland.
Moyes also suggested £35m signing Tyler Dibling will have to be patient before he gets to start. He explained Jack Grealish and Ndiaye are both ahead of him and he has to show he deserves a place in training before he can secure his first team spot.
Moyes also fielded a number of questions about his strikers in the press conference and stated that ‘things can change quickly’ in their fortunes, citing Beto’s remarkable turnaround in form last season when Moyes originally joined the club.
Predicted team
David Moyes has felt pressure from the fans to change his starting lineup after just one win since August in the league.
However, he is more likely to name a similar lineup with Jordan Pickford’s place in goal rightly nailed on.
Expect a defence of James Tarkowski and Michael Keane, with the latter being praised by Moyes in his latest press conference. Jake O’Brien and Vitaly Mykolenko, who expects talks over a new contract to begin shortly, will be full backs in the same defensive system.
Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye are expected to start on the wings and Moyes’ seemingly preferred midfield of James Garner, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will probably start. Moyes does have the option of moving Garner to right back, or switch out on of his midfielders for Merlin Rohl, who has reportedly impressed in training. Tim Iroegbunam will likely start on the bench.
Charly Alcaraz is also unfortunate to not be starting. It seems like a straight competition between him and Dewsbury-Hall and he is likely to start on the bench once again. Moyes could always drop Dewsbury-Hall back into Gueye or Garner’s role and play both if he wants to mix it up.
The main change could be seen up front. Moyes seems to trust Beto more at the moment and hauled Thierno Barry off after just 55 minutes at Sunderland. It would be a pity, as the £27m striker needs a run of games to find some form.
Nathan Patterson is out with another injury but Moyes will be able to include Seamus Coleman – called up to the next Ireland squad – along with Dwight McNeil and Adam Aznou on the bench. Mark Travers will be the backup goalkeeper.