Everton early team news v Arsenal: Moyes gives Ndiaye, McNeil updates
David Moyes has shared an update on the availability of two Everton players ahead of the clash with Arsenal on Saturday.
The Blues’ nine-match winning run was ended in a 1-0 loss to Liverpool in a tense encounter at Anfield (2 April) and the Scotsman will be keen to get back to winning ways against ex-Blue Mikel Arteta’s side.
Their task will be tough as the Gunners are hoping to chase the Reds down at the summit of the Premier League but the Toffees have shown that they are not phased by a challenge.
However, the latest developments from Finch Farm could hinder Moyes’ plan to cause an upset.
Moyes confirms for Everton v Arsenal
The likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dwight McNeil, Iliman Ndiaye and Armando Broja have missed a significant period of the Blues’ revival under Moyes.
However, the latter duo returned against Arne Slot’s side and will be hoping to be involved again against the Gunners.
Meanwhile, Moyes confirmed in his pre-match press conference (4 April) that McNeil is back training after missing a lot of time and gave an update on Ndiaye’s chances of starting.
He said: “They’re both back in training [Ndiaye and McNeil]. Ili, obviously we got him some minutes the other day. He is getting closer; it is just that he is lacking match fitness.
“Dwight is back in training. He has probably had about three or four days on the grass, so he is getting closer.”
Everton need to finish the season strongly
The Toffees do not have much to play for in terms of league position as they are 15th with eight matches left to play.
Their form since the Scotsman returned has been brilliant and they are a world away from the relegation battle that was a serious danger with Sean Dyche at the helm.
| Stats | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points |
| Dyche | 19 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 17 |
| Moyes | 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 16 |
That has already sparked a considerable amount of excitement ahead of the new season, given the move to the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium and the fact that the Friedkin Group are set to invest in transfers in the summer.
The focus must be on securing the best possible finish to the campaign to take momentum into next season and that would start with a positive result against the Gunners.
It will be a hard ask but Moyes’ side have already shown that they can put up a great fight against the top sides, as they took the league leaders to the wire on both occasions, and they will be hoping to do the same against their former player.