Season › 2024-25 › News Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Everton Michael Kenrick 07/03/2025 72comments | Jump to last Match Preview After their warm-weather break in the UAE, Everton return to Premier League action in a televised Saturday night encounter at the Molineux stadium. The unusual kick-off time of 8 pm on a Saturday night has been attributed to TNT Sports, who have the rights to broadcast 52 Premier League games live this season — including this one. However, during a few previous matchweeks, they decided not to choose a game for their established 12:30 pm Saturday lunchtime slot, meaning they have some extra games to fit in for the remainder of the campaign. They likely picked this match as a potential relegation 6-pointer, causing the shift from its original 3 pm kick-off time, but things have moved on since then for both sides, although it still holds the promise of being an entertaining encounter, even for the neutrals. Everton have already scored an impressive 4-0 win over Wolves this season at home back in December — a very rare emphatic win under Sean Dyche — and will be looking to mobilize their improving Premier League record to secure a second win and complete only this season's second double after Everton's last and very impressive win at Crystal Palace last month. The return of Nathan Patterson and Youssef Chermiti to the first-team squad after recovering from their injuries has boosted the line-up options for David Moyes going into this game, and his pre-match press conference confirmed that Iliman Ndiaye, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dwight McNeil are still not close to making a comeback: “The likes of Dwight, Iliman, Dom, are forward players and creative players who we’re needing back. I don’t think any of those three at the moment are really close. Ili is doing much better. He’s not running yet or anything but he’s certainly improving from his injury. “I don’t see them quite on the horizon yet. The likes of Seamus (Coleman), those boys are back and in and around it, without being match fit or having any minutes under their belt. They’re getting back into training but those other three are still a wee bit away yet.” Of Armando Broja, Moyes said: “He’s training, he’s joined in a little bit. He’s not fully right yet. I would say after the international break would probably be the right time. There’s an outside chance that maybe he could be fit for next week. At the moment, I can only follow the medical team. If I was guessing, I would probably say it looks more like after the international break.” Currently, Mangala, Calvert-Lewin, Broja, Ndiaye and McNeil are all unavailable despite progress on some of the injuries involved suggesting they may not be as serious as first thought. But Moyes still has to try to extend The Blues's remarkable unbeaten run in the Premier League without this cadre of attacking players. That unbeaten run could extend to 8 games when they take on a Wolves side that pulled off a surprise win at Bournemouth to help them escape the clutches of the relegation zone, establishing a 5-point cushion over Leicester City and Ipswich Town. But Wolves have only won once at home this year, beating Aston Villa, but losing to Nottingham Forest, Arsenal and Fulham. Wolves go into this game just below Everton in the Premier League table but there is a 10-point differential between the teams that Moyes will be keen to at least sustain — if not extend — the remarkable run since the initial defeat to Aston Villa in his first game after returning to Goodison Park. Meanwhile, for the home side, the most significant loss is that of talisman Matheus Cunha who is suspended after being sent-off for headbutting Milos Kerkez in the FA Cup 5th Round loss to Bournemouth. Mosquera, Kalajdzic, Gonzalez and Chiwone are all out injured, while Gomes, Agbadou and Guedes are rated as doubtful. Kick-off: 8 pm GMT, Saturday 8 March 2025 Referee: Stuart Attwell. Assistants: Constantine Hatzidakis, Natalie Aspinall. Fourth Official: Tom Bramall. Video Assistant Referee: Graham Scott. Assistant VAR: Dan Cook. Reader Comments (72) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer () John Hall 1 Posted 06/03/2025 at 11:59:06 Hi Michael, another great preview! However, I have just a couple of (small) errors to point out. Seamus is also out injured. Also, we are already 7 games unbeaten in the Premier League. Wolves would be number 8 :) Let's hope so! COYB! Michael Kenrick 2 Posted 06/03/2025 at 12:45:05 Good catches, John. I'll sneak back later and make some fixes while you're not looking. I was trying to count up in my head... just not used to going so long without a miserable, heart-breaking, soul-destroying defeat! Danny O'Neill 3 Posted 06/03/2025 at 13:25:11 Thanks Michael,After the discussions of Gana Gueye, yes or no, Jack Harrison and Charly Alcaraz, mixed in with a bit of US politics, it's back to business.I'm fairly relaxed as it stands, but win this, and we can enjoy the rest of the season and look to climb the table, without worrying about the teams below us. John Hall 4 Posted 06/03/2025 at 13:36:05 Hi Michael, yes it's great not to worry about defeats recently. However, I do worry about the crazy timing of this match. 8pm on a Saturday night in Wolverhampton? What are these TV people thinking? Brian Williams 5 Posted 06/03/2025 at 13:38:10 London? Did you skip geography at school John? 🤣 John Hall 6 Posted 06/03/2025 at 13:39:13 Sorry Brian, I've just edited it! Not thinking properly today! :) Christy Ring 7 Posted 06/03/2025 at 15:00:49 The break should have us refreshed, and an added bonus, no Cunha. A win would definitely have us sitting pretty. Jay Harris 8 Posted 06/03/2025 at 15:48:39 Cunha has been in terrific form for them and I am so pleased he is out of this one.They have a fairly good record against us in recent years, that 4-0 apart, so I'm hoping for 3 points but would settle for 1 given it would maintain the status quo but 3 would nicely put pressure on Man Utd, Spurs and West Ham. Joe Hurst 9 Posted 06/03/2025 at 23:03:50 Our opponents, the only time Ive ever been to Wembley, the 84 FA Cup final. Geoff Trenner 10 Posted 07/03/2025 at 02:50:11 Watford Joe Mark Murphy 11 Posted 07/03/2025 at 07:29:27 No, he's right, Geoff. He just got the year and venue wrong!It was 1893 and played at Fallowfield.Joe's memory is sketchy these days given that he's over 130 years old… Danny O'Neill 12 Posted 07/03/2025 at 08:43:51 We've had a few late kick offs in London and Bournemouth these past few seasons that are tough on the Merseyside travelling supporters.I suppose Wolverhampton isn't too bad. For me, a half way house for those travelling down and those who travel from London.Still a strange kick off time, but I suppose TV rights and money pay the bills and wages, so dictate. Kunal Desai 13 Posted 07/03/2025 at 08:59:23 Our last two games have warranted us really getting six points instead of one, but for a dodgy wall for the free kick (two dubious freekick decisions given) and a keeper who was in great form.The amount of chances we are now creating is so refreshing. We go to Wolves with the same mindset and gameplan and we'll put this lot to the sword. Dave Abrahams 14 Posted 07/03/2025 at 09:42:10 Will Ramadan have an effect on the performances of Gana Gueye and Doucoure not sure if they have in previous seasons? Alan McGuffog 15 Posted 07/03/2025 at 09:53:24 Wonder if it was the same Fallowfield Stadium that was at the back of Owens Park Hall of Residence in the seventies. Beautiful pitch that I was never remotely worthy of gracing. Laurie Hartley 16 Posted 07/03/2025 at 10:09:11 Dave # 14 - I have often wondered about this. A google search suggests it does affect some and has to be managed but apparently Doucoure handles it well:-Everton's Abdoulaye Doucoure told BBC Sport in 2023: "I always love Ramadan... Sometimes playing football has been hard because Ramadan has been in the summer and during pre-season. But I have always been lucky to practise Ramadan and there have never been problems with my physical condition - I am grateful for that,". Wolves will miss Cunha big time. I think we have a good chance of picking up all three points. It will be interesting to see how Pereira (our nearly manager) sets them up. I am expecting a good game of football. Mark Murphy 17 Posted 07/03/2025 at 10:09:32 My dad worked for Laing in the 60's and they did a lot of work in Fallowfield, Manchester. I assume that's the same place? Brian Harrison 18 Posted 07/03/2025 at 10:34:45 When we play Wolves I always think back to some of the first ever televised games outside England internationals and the Cup Final, which was Wolves against Dynamo Kiev, which was a Russian team. Ironic when you think whats going on in the World. I think Stan Cullis was the Wolves manager at the time. Dave Abrahams 19 Posted 07/03/2025 at 10:36:43 Laurie,(16), Yes not sure it affected Doucoure too much, I think he looks after his body very well and I dont think there are any moans about his fitness.I think a win at Wolves will take all the pressure off any doubts about us staying up and with some players coming back after the international break we might see us taking further steps to improve our results and performances with a good result at Anfield increasing the screams and outrage from the Red fans especially their mainly armchair supporters who live here! Dave Abrahams 20 Posted 07/03/2025 at 10:51:45 Brian (18), I think there were games against Moscow Dynamos and Honved from Hungary(?) as well as the game you mentioned, if Im correct only the second halfs of the game were shown, Stan Cullis, born in Ellesmere Port was the manager.I remember when Wolves won the cup v Leicester in 1949 and our last game of the season was against Wolves on the Wednesday night after they won the cup and the FA cup was paraded around Goodison Park at half time in that game.We won 1-0 with an header from Eggo ( Tommy Eglington ) in the Gwladys Street end in the second half. James Fletcher 21 Posted 07/03/2025 at 10:53:38 Regarding Ramadan issues I think the timing of the match means they can break their fast before the game which could prove very good. Dave Abrahams 22 Posted 07/03/2025 at 10:55:53 James (21), Yes thats true and they also allow an extra break( or two) for the players to have a drink. John Raftery 23 Posted 07/03/2025 at 11:06:10 We beat Wolves 4-0 three months ago. They are a poor team without their most productive attacker. We are consistently taking points off teams in the lower half of the table. We must win tomorrow to maintain momentum before a more challenging list of fixtures in April. Brian Harrison 24 Posted 07/03/2025 at 11:09:18 Dave I think your memory is far better than mine, a headed goal by Tommy Eglington, he was towards the end of his career when I started watching in 55/56 but don't ever remember him heading a ball let alone scoring. Dave Abrahams 25 Posted 07/03/2025 at 11:18:23 Brian ( 24), Yes he was pretty small Tommy but that goal was by the far post and he ran in and swooped down to head it in, not sure about any other headed goals by Tommy, I think he scored the first goal in the famous 2-1 over Man. Unt. In the cup when Dave Hickson scored the winner and he was well known for the five goals he scored in a 7-2 win over Doncaster when we were in the second division. Derek Knox 26 Posted 07/03/2025 at 11:48:06 Hoping as always for a win, Wolves having Cunha out will deplete them somewhat, but not a case for assuming a definite win either. Timing is inconsiderate again for travelling fans. I suspect when they switched the time on this fixture they anticipated a relegation dogfight, good for the neutrals, but not for the supporters, but when have they ever been a consideration?Hopefully the warm weather training and bonding will augur well for another 3 points. Raymond Fox 27 Posted 07/03/2025 at 12:47:20 The betting is 6/4 Wolves 7/4 Everton 13/8 the Draw.It's perm any result from the 3. That's a very stingy price for a draw.It's tough anywhere as an away side but I fancy us for a win, if not a win a draw.Cunha missing definitely improves our chances. Chris Badley 28 Posted 07/03/2025 at 13:17:53 Really great preview but I miss one thing. Lyndon always named the probable team which stimulated a lot of debate. Appreciate that's not an easy thing to do but I think it would lift it a bit. Carry on the good work! David Peate 29 Posted 07/03/2025 at 13:57:19 Dave (25) I cannot recall Tommy Eglington scoring a headed goal even the one that you say. Memory not so good nowadays though. I seem to remember that the Doncaster game was 7-1 not 7-2. Is that right? Kieran Kinsella 30 Posted 07/03/2025 at 14:14:19 Didn't realize Broja was even still here. I thought his season was over. Soon we will have a plethora of strikers to choose from. Mike Hayes 31 Posted 07/03/2025 at 14:18:46 Broja (ankle) travelled with the team to the training camp and is nearing a return to the match squad, coach David Moyes confirmed in a press conference: "Broja is training. He's joined in a little bit but he's not fully right yet. I'm hoping that maybe after the international break might be the right time. There's an outside chance that maybe he could be fit for next week, maybe, but, at the moment, I can only follow the medical team. If I was guessing, it looks more like after the international break."Broja has been included in the team's training camp and is nearing a return to action. He has been sidelined since early January due to an ankle injury and could be an option within a couple weeks. Of course, with the form of Beto, Broja will likely remain an option on the bench once available. Steve Shave 32 Posted 07/03/2025 at 14:44:39 Cunha is a striker for a top 4 club really and utterly sublime. His absence is a major plus for us. I expect us to turn them over, nothing but 3 points here please lads! Brian Wilkinson 33 Posted 07/03/2025 at 14:57:53 After the 10-day break, I fancy a 3-nil win tomorrow night, I can see Beto netting two, making up for his misses last match, and a rare Gueye goal as well.With Cuhna missing and a few others as well, I fancy Everton to get behind that Wolves backline. I will stick my neck out and go for a 2-nil lead by half time.As always so unpredictable, Everton, but I think we have enough in the tank and on the bench this time to see us home with the 3 points. Mike Gaynes 34 Posted 07/03/2025 at 15:02:55 John #4 and DK #26, my condolences to the traveling Blues, but this kick-off time translates to noon Saturday here, which offers me an opportunity I've not had before -- to watch an Everton game in a Blue pub. There's one about 90 minutes away in north Seattle, and I'm going to hop the morning car ferry and spend the day with the Seattle Evertonians, whom I've never met. Can't wait. Hope they won't ban me for not drinking! Alan McGuffog 35 Posted 07/03/2025 at 15:06:49 Mike...run that past me again. You watch Everton. Without a drink !!! Just can't imagine it Ian Burns 36 Posted 07/03/2025 at 15:31:05 I would have thought a drink watching Everton was a ruddy necessity!! Always have a glass to hand so I can drown my sorrows or celebrate a win!! Hopefully the latter tomorrow, Ive had a bellyful of the former this season (and the last few)! Mike Gaynes 37 Posted 07/03/2025 at 15:54:13 Yep, Ian, and I know exactly what's in your glass, my man! (Same potion, I assume?)Alan, I do imbibe a bit at home (and more than a bit at Pete Mills' house!) but not when I'm out. Danny O'Neill 38 Posted 07/03/2025 at 16:01:37 Enjoy Mike, sounds like a great day out.Mark, I missed your point earlier. Of course I wouldn't pick Doucoure over Ndiaye. For starters, Ndiaye has a much more catchy song. They can play in the same team together though, I just think he would have been worth keeping for a season. Mark Murphy 39 Posted 07/03/2025 at 16:09:30 Your still missing my point Danny boy.I said Alcaraz, not N'diaye!UTFT Liam Mogan 40 Posted 07/03/2025 at 16:15:55 Seattle Blues, sounds like a Hendrix tune.Book an hotel Mike and go on an all dayer to celebrate another 3 points for the blues! Danny O'Neill 41 Posted 07/03/2025 at 16:24:46 My apologia, Mr M. You can't leave either of those two out. We pointed out at Brentford, there were times when in attacking positions, Alcaraz was almost pushing on as a second forward. Probably the same at Palace.He may not have started every match, but could have played a part, certainly as the injuries and suspensions kick in. But it looks like he's gone now.Not one for now, but it's going to be interesting to see who stays, who goes and who we bring in. I just hope we do business quickly. Mark Murphy 42 Posted 07/03/2025 at 16:36:58 “But it looks like he's gone now.”What???? What's happened?? Rob Halligan 43 Posted 07/03/2025 at 16:39:19 Mark, I think Danny is losing his marbles! Dave Abrahams 44 Posted 07/03/2025 at 17:00:18 Davis (29)Yes that goal by Tommy Eglington versus Wolves was definitely a header, Ill take seconds on that score v Doncaster and go with your 7-1 score, by the way John Willie Parker scored the other two in that game. Dave Abrahams 45 Posted 07/03/2025 at 17:07:10 (44) that should be David to start the post, sorry about that David. Tried to change it but that word checker ignored me! Paul Ferry 46 Posted 07/03/2025 at 19:39:15 Is Craig Dawson starting for them? If he is, that's three up front for us. I can only see a two-goal win for us v Cunha-less-Wanderers. Happy travels to our part of the 3,000. Paul Conway 47 Posted 07/03/2025 at 22:18:36 Nice to Hear Moyes saying, in his Presser, that he expects assists and Goals, from both Harrison and Lindstrøm. I was kind of wondering myself, as to when this would materialise.We are two thirds into the. season now and they havent produced.This is most uncommon from two attacking wingers.I could probably understand one… but, Two! Jimmy Carr 48 Posted 07/03/2025 at 23:54:50 Doucoure in for Alcaraz? Wouldn't be my choice but might be Moyes's. No other changes for us. I'm expecting a win or score draw, Beto back amongst the goals, maybe Tarks to head one in from a corner. How times have changed. Phil Teece 49 Posted 08/03/2025 at 01:55:23 Dave 44 and Davis 29On my first-ever visit to Goodison in September 1954, Tommy Eglington scored the only goal with a Park End header in a 1-0 win over 'Lucky Arsenal', as my father always called them. I think it may have been the first home match after promotion from Division 2. In any event, it was a great night for the 9-year-old lad that once was me. He particularly enjoyed the lively abuse hurled at the infamous Alex Forbes when he left the field at the end. Ajay Gopal 50 Posted 08/03/2025 at 04:09:10 Doucoure for the last 20 mins when we are up 2-0 up, and he has stocked himself up well.BetoHarrison Alcaraz LindstromGueye GarnerMykolenko Branthwaite Tarkowski O'BrienPickford Subs: Virginia, Young, Patterson, Keane, Doucoure, Chermiti, xxx, yyy, zzzIt would be good if Chermiti got a few minutes today.Very irritated with the kickoff time – it would be 1:30 am here. Bob Parrington 51 Posted 08/03/2025 at 06:29:04 Daylight saving change UK 30 March, Australia 6 April. Currently 10 hrs 30 mins difference but becomes 8 hrs 30 mins between UK and South Australia. Yippee (except for the 8 pm kick off in UK). Christine Foster 52 Posted 08/03/2025 at 06:41:32 Heck, Bob, we are currently 13 hours ahead here in New Zealand. An evening kick-off for me is bliss, the normal 3 pm kick off is awful, that's 4 am here. I used to wonder if I was going mad watching the team under Dyche, it would ruin Sundays and I was shattered for the week ahead. Somehow when you win, it's not so bad! Paul Hewitt 53 Posted 08/03/2025 at 07:21:42 Ajay@50. Good team. I've a feeling yyy will come on and score the winner. Liam Mogan 54 Posted 08/03/2025 at 07:30:41 I hope that zzz doesn't come on. Sends me to sleep him. And that xxx is just dirty.Looking forward to the game and Ajays team sounds about right (although I expect Douc to start). A win would be great. The positivity atm is such a welcome change. Mal van Schaick 55 Posted 08/03/2025 at 08:15:56 I hope that we can keep the momentum going and play at the levels we have been playing at to secure another away win and improve our league position. Beto to score a brace for a 2-0 win. Alan McGuffog 56 Posted 08/03/2025 at 08:21:51 Liam there seems to be positivity both on and off the field. Sorry, this may well come back to bite me on the backside but the feeling seems akin to this time of year in 1983.We'd been shite for so long but then a couple of good cup runs and Harper scoring to get us a draw against them, meant we started to look forward to games rather than dread them. And translate to this season, let's enjoy our trip across the park next month and spoil their party! Jeff Spiers 57 Posted 08/03/2025 at 09:50:44 Off the post slightly. Has any one seen the footage of BMD rain leakage? Rob Halligan 58 Posted 08/03/2025 at 09:56:11 Yeah Jeff…..from about four months ago! Mark Murphy 59 Posted 08/03/2025 at 10:08:01 Jeff, Noah has built two arcs since that was shown. Steve Dowdeswell 60 Posted 08/03/2025 at 10:39:35 I am away for this one but hoping for positive news later on the forum and ToffeeWeb. COYB! Brian Harrison 61 Posted 08/03/2025 at 10:46:06 I worry that tonight's game will be much harder because of Cunha's absence. Their manager just has to say to his players "Most people think without Cunha we can't win this game, go and prove them wrong." So no complacency from our lads and keep the unbeaten run going. Si Cooper 62 Posted 08/03/2025 at 11:06:37 Bit frustrated we didn't get maximum points in previous two fixtures, so really hoping we can get 6 points from next two as would like to head into a very challenging April with basically no lingering doubts about survival.Players just need to keep focussed and on their game and Wolves and West Ham should be vanquishable.Although inexperienced, with surely the best to come, I'm a little surprised Tim Iroegbunam seems to not rate a mention in those listed as potentially able to stake a claim in a future first choice eleven, especially as the unfortunate Orel Mangala is apparently still being touted for a ‘return' at some point.I am assuming that Tim is one factor in why Doucoure seems to be out of the long term plans. Doucoure should get plenty of chances to showcase his appetite for being involved in order to attract a few clubs.Icing on cake today would be some end product from both ‘wingers' and a lovely little cameo from Chermiti to signal his potential will be fulfilled from this point on.Up the fearless Toffees! James Marshall 63 Posted 08/03/2025 at 11:08:08 Regarding Gana and Doucoure breaking fast — Iftar (the time Muslims can break fast) today is at 5:57pm so they will get the chance to rehydrate, and eat ahead of an 8 pm kick-off. John Hall 64 Posted 08/03/2025 at 11:36:46 Breaking fast, James? There would be more chance of Gueye doing that than a fast break tonight! Let's hope I'm wrong! COYB! John Hall 65 Posted 08/03/2025 at 11:38:24 I think Doucoure will be offered a new contract on half salary. Will he take it though? Joe Hurst 66 Posted 08/03/2025 at 11:46:21 Yes, you're right, Geoff (10).Going there as a 10-year-old, it was just that we had won my first (and only) visit to Wembley that I remember, sorry for getting the identity of the opposing team wrong.Happy memories of us winning, that's what I had kept. Robert Tressell 67 Posted 08/03/2025 at 12:15:54 John # 65, why would Doucoure accept a 50% wage reduction when he could probably match or even better his existing wages elsewhere? I mean we could try but I can't see it working out... Dave Abrahams 68 Posted 08/03/2025 at 12:16:39 Phil (49I was at that game v Arsenal in 1954 and remember the score but can't recall who scored it. It was our first home game that season; I remember the crowded streets around Goodison before the game with over 69,000 at the game and on the Saturday after another 1-0 win over Preston and over 76,000 inside the ground with possibly Cyril Lello getting the goal.Alex Forbes was the Scottish international left half known as a very robust player or a dirty so and so, later on in life he was prosecuted for a sexual offence against a young lad. Jeff Spiers 69 Posted 08/03/2025 at 12:21:48 Rob and Mark, I'll get me coat. Tony Cunningham 70 Posted 08/03/2025 at 12:27:13 I think Robert (67) has a point, Doucoure as a free agent could probably get a few clubs interested in him as no signing-on fee. We may opt to go for £100k a week for him. More than we want but he'll do for 2 seasons and save us buying someone new for 2 years. Martin Farrington 71 Posted 08/03/2025 at 13:01:48 9 pm viewing for me here in Spain. Christine, my son lives in NZ. He is a blue and has his sons kitted out too. He isn't as hardcore as I am.Moyes doesnt have an awful lot of choice, thanks to the injury list. Even with them lot back its hardly a hardy squad, and still not much choice options wise other than Ndiaye.IMO Doucoure did vast damage to us in the Man U match and his stupidity at the end of the Liverpool game wasnt welcome. Even though others have gotten away with it in this two tier refereeing / VAR shitstem. I hope he was fined 2 weeks wages for each transgression and the money goes somewhere useful.I don't want him back in the side against Wolves. Whilst some of our players are prone to mistakes and idiocy, Doucoure is head of the class there.If we are not 'exorcising(sic) him with the 1yr extension then start games without him.Wolves will miss Cunha but we must not get focused on that. Play as if his replacement is better. Be mind focused and sharp.Hopefully our goal hero will slot a couple home to defy his agitators.Jimmy G and IG need to look like a pair this evening. Lindy and Jack. Well they are as is and might surprise.Tarks needs to get his head on. Myk needs to . miracle required.The others just need to be average or better to bring home the win.COYB !!!! Tom Bowers 72 Posted 08/03/2025 at 14:43:45 I think Doucoure is probably past his best and with several options in the midfield (once the injuries clear)it is a wise decision to let him go.He was an expensive signing by Silva but it's arguable if he has done a good job.He will, however be remembered for that awesome strike against Bournemouth which kept us up.Hopefully Beto will be better focused today if he gets similar opportunities that he had in the Bees game. Add Your Comments In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site. » Log in now Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site. 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