Everton news round-up: TFG delighted with Moyes, defender could face Liverpool
David Moyes is preparing for an historic week at Everton as they welcome Liverpool for the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
The Blues crashed out of the FA Cup after a 2-0 loss against Bournemouth on Saturday (8 February), but they will now face a quick turnaround before returning to Premier League action.
Moyes is poised for his biggest test yet since returning to the blue half of Merseyside and will be up against the odds after the Opta Analyst supercomputer gave Everton an 18.2 per cent chance of claiming the three points.
However, with the Toffees nine points clear of the relegation zone and expected to retain their Premier League status this season, all the focus will turn to thwarting Liverpool’s title hopes and ensuring Goodison Park gets the farewell that the famous stadium deserves.
Here, Goodison News rounds up all the top stories from 11 February.
The Friedkin Group are delighted with David Moyes
Dan Plumley told Goodison News that The Friedkin Group will be delighted with Moyes after his exploits in the transfer market.
The Blues defied expectations and underwent a quiet winter transfer window, with the deadline-day loan signing of Carlos Alcaraz from Flamengo as the only arrival.
Although suggestions emerged that Moyes was unhappy with the lack of activity at Goodison Park, this is far from the case, as the boss opted against spending the limited funds at Everton amid the limited players available on the market.
TFG is delighted that the Toffees boss showed restraint and will prepare to offer significant financial backing at the end of the season once their top-flight status is secured.
David Moyes drops a Vitalii Mykolenko update v Liverpool
Everton are facing a selection dilemma heading into the Merseyside derby, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Youssef Chermiti, Seamus Coleman, Nathan Patterson, Dwight McNeil and Armando Broja all confirmed absentees.
Although the Blues have been in incredible form in the Premier League, with several key starters impressing in the 4-0 win against Leicester City on 1 February, the FA Cup loss on the weekend was worrisome.
The two goals conceded during the loss were self-manufactured – with James Tarkowski at the heart of both – thus raising concerns regarding who Moyes can rely on to face one of the most in-form sides in Europe.
However, when speaking to the media before the match (11 February), Moyes shared a positive update on Vitalii Mykolenko.
“[Mykolenko] started training today so hopefully he could be available – that’s probably the main one.”
Arne Slot shares Everton fear ahead of Merseyside derby
Had Sean Dyche remained at the Everton helm heading into the clash, the visitors would have been vastly more confident in claiming the three points at Goodison Park.
Despite the ex-boss masterminding a dramatic 2-0 win against Liverpool, the last time the Blues hosted their Merseyside rivals, Dyche struggled to keep his side above the relegation places before his dismissal.
Nevertheless, since returning to the Toffees, Moyes’ immediate improvement in fortunes has turned heads and restored the voice of a disgruntled fanbase.
Slot does not underestimate the importance of the result. If they can move nine points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, they will firmly be in the driver’s seat in the title race.
On the other hand, the Liverpool boss shared his concerns when speaking in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, as relayed by the Liverpool ECHO (11 February), as he recognises the impact of a full-capacity Goodison Park.
“Normally Liverpool get more points against teams around Everton. That tells you how difficult it is.
“I know derbies are always difficult. Fans bring the best out of players. I have experienced this many times but I hope I don’t experience it tomorrow!”