David Moyes to make unpopular decision in two changes – Everton predicted XI vs Fulham
David Moyes could be set to stand by Thierno Barry when Everton face Fulham at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.
Everton drew 1-1 with Sunderland on Monday, but the Toffees should have been out of sight before half-time at the Stadium of Light.
Barry missed a sitter against Sunderland, firing over from within the six-yard box after he was found by Jack Grealish.
The Frenchman saw little of the game before he was substituted, but really should have put his side two goals to the good.
Everton have been told to sign a new striker in the January transfer window, with Beto also failing to deliver for the Blues.
David Moyes to make two changes vs Fulham
Iliman Ndiaye was forced off injured against Sunderland, having scored a brilliant opener for Moyes‘ side.
Thankfully, the Scot confirmed after the game that he does not think it is “anything serious” for the Senegal international, who may not be risked against Fulham.
In his place will likely come Tyler Dibling, who has played just four minutes of action across Everton‘s past three games.
Merlin Rohl could also finally be set for his full Everton debut, with the midfielder impressing off the bench so far.
James Garner is yet to miss a single minute of football this season, and Moyes could eye the Fulham match as the ideal chance to give the Englishman a rest.
Jordan Pickford, Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Vitalii Mykolenko should form the back-line once again, while Idrissa Gueye is expected to start alongside Rohl.
Grealish will once again start on the left alongside Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, while Moyes may well back Barry to start again despite his disappointing showing against Sunderland.
Thierno Barry needs backing
Barry is yet to make consecutive Premier League starts since arriving from Villarreal in the summer.
The Frenchman has impressed at times but has constantly found himself back on the bench in place of Beto, failing to play more than 65 minutes in any game this season.
| Thierno Barry | Premier League 2025-26 |
| Minutes | 304 |
| Starts | 3 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.01 |
| Shots | 7 |
| Duels won | 21 |
With such inconsistent usage, it must be questioned how Moyes expects to get any consistent performance out of the 23-year-old.
Barry’s miss against Sunderland was woeful, but the striker at least made the run and showed that he could get on the end of Grealish’s cross. Next time, the forward will not make the same mistake.
A start against Fulham would be a boost in confidence for Barry, who feels as if he just needs that first goal to hit the back of the net.
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