09/05/2025 66comments  |  Jump to last

Down to the last three games of the season and Everton travel to take on Marco Silva's Fulham side at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Everton can still improve on their current 14th position in the Premier League but that would require a win, which is not what the current run of poor form would predict as The Blues have manaed to securre just one win in the last 10 games – a really attrocious run that is tantamaount to relegation form. 

David Moyes hads shown that he can inspire these players, who many agree are simply not good enough for the Premier League, but that almost magical spell has worn off almost completely in terms of vitally importnant goals from his strikers, which seem to have almost completely dried up.  

Domic Calvert-Lewin may be fit enough to start this one, while big question marks still hanging over his future at the club, and mixed messages suggesting perhaps he wants to stay, but no signature as yet on a deal that has reportedly been on the table since last year; the enigmatic striker is reported to have changed agents recently.

Uncertainty over the future of many of the squad continues to be a persistent theme, with 12 players out of contract and 4 loan players likely to return to their parent clubs. One exception might be Charly Alaraz, who has shown moments of inspiration, but is it enough for Everton to secure his permananent signature after they asiduously avoided the auntomatic buy-out clause if he started nine games while on loan?

Orel Managala and Jesper Lindstrom appear to have played their last games for Everton and seem certain to to go back, while there seems to have been a lot of talk about the other enigma that is Jack Harrison, who keeps being selected, apparently for his defensive duties: it certainly can't be for his abilities going forward, which are nothing if not highly frustrating.   

Abdoulaye Doucoure is another player who engenders mixed feelings, scorer of key gioals, he runs around a lot, and Everton tend to get better results when he plays, but he was missing last time for 'personal reasons', while the rumours mill claims that he won't accpet a neww contract if his wages are reduced. 

Dwight McNeil has proved his importance to the side and we have arguably missed his contribution during the many weeks he was out injured. But that grat goal was probably his only meaningful contribution last week: like almost the entire Everton squad, he needs to do better, be more involved, and drove the team forward more effectively. 

For the home side, Timothy Castagne has had surgery on his ankle and will miss the remainder of the season, while Harrison Reed joins Rodrigo Muniz and Reiss Nelson on the treatment table after the premature end to his afternoon at Villa Park last time out. Sasa Lukic will also miss the game through a minor injury. 

Kick-Off: 3:00 pm BST Saturday, 10 May 2025 

Referee: Darren England. 
Assistants: 
Scott Ledger, Adrian Holmes. 
Fourth official: 
Sam Allison. 
Video Assistant Referee:
 Michael Salisbury. 
Assistant VAR: Akil Howson.

 

Reader Comments (66)

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Kunal Desai
1 Posted 09/05/2025 at 13:10:14
Doucoure seeking a deal better than his current one.

Sadly, we've been a soft touch under the Moshiri era, some players drawing a huge wedge for very little return.

New ownership and structure now, the likes of Doucoure and Calvert-Lewin can seek to get those lucrative contracts elsewhere.

Terry Davies
2 Posted 09/05/2025 at 13:35:42
Can't disagree with that, Kunal. As much as I like Doucoure, when you're at the end of your thirties as well as your contract, I don't see how he can expect his already substantial salary to be increased.

Regarding Calvert-Lewin, he's in no position to justify another hefty contract – the Club has to look at the return they've had over the last 3 years or so.

Mike Hayes
3 Posted 09/05/2025 at 13:47:52
Fingers crossed for the three points. We need to get well away from the bottom love to finish above Man Utd and Spurs.

These players need to understand that the fans (home and away) will get behind them 200% but equally they need to do the same.

Mike Hayes
4 Posted 09/05/2025 at 13:51:18
Doucoure and Calvert-Lewin need to move on - more so Calvert-Lewin given he's had a contract offer on the table for 12 months or so.

Doucoure like Harrison run around not offering much. I trust Moyes to find the right players to fit his way of playing – he's done it in the past it's just a case of who's available who'll come and what we have finally to improve the squad.

Eric Myles
5 Posted 09/05/2025 at 13:52:22
Terry, we supported DCL through some tough times when his problems were supposedly psychological rather than physical. I think the least he could do to acknowledge that is sign the deal the Club offered him, if they still want him to. If not, we'll good luck getting the same support elsewhere.

As for Doucoure, if his contract is up then he either already has a better deal on the table and if not is in no position to make demands.

Hopefully the new regime has gotten harder nosed in its dealings.

Dennis Stevens
6 Posted 09/05/2025 at 14:06:21
Didn't Moyes say that he was unaware of any contract offer being in place for Calvert-Lewin, at least since Moyes's return – tied in with the takeover, I suppose.
Andrew Clare
7 Posted 09/05/2025 at 14:16:11
I will be very disappointed if we keep Doucoure or DCL.
I will be equally disappointed if we sign Grealish or Stones or Richarlison. It’s probably all paper talk anyway.
We need fresh up and coming young talent not cast offs looking for a last big payday.
Danny O'Neill
8 Posted 09/05/2025 at 14:35:15
Time to get back to Everton.

We don't need a win, but I want one. I want three from the next three.

I think it's now one win in the last 9 or 10?

I'm looking forward to a day out in the west London sun on the Thames and meeting up with a few.

Who we may or may not sign isn't of concern right now. The players who cross the white line tomorrow are what matters.

Neil Lawson
9 Posted 09/05/2025 at 14:49:38
Doucoure quoted in saying he won't stay for less money. Should have better invested the £5M per annum he has been stealing from us. Crocodile tears.

Not about the club. All about the money. Thank you and goodbye to you. We can do a lot better for less.

Raymond Fox
10 Posted 09/05/2025 at 15:30:08
The betting is approx. 4/5 Fulham, 16/5 Everton & 2/1 a Draw. I think that's a decent price for us to win, I fancy us to come away with something.

Doucoure will probably take less to stay, he's going to try and get as much as he can. We will see.

It's easy to say get rid but you have to find better for not a lot of money. Likewise Harrison, he's costing us his wages, we have not had to buy him.

Mike Gaynes
11 Posted 09/05/2025 at 15:36:02
Agreed, Danny, all this speculation is pointless. None of us have any idea what's going on behind the scenes.

If anything.

Of the people who will make the decisions about who stays and who goes, only one is even employed yet by Everton, and that's Davey. Our new CEO isn't officially aboard. Our new DoF and chief scout haven't even been identified yet, let alone offered the positions.

What happens on the pitch is all that matters right now.

And for me, it's all about finishing above Man Utd. I would be smiling all summer if we could pull that off.

Dale Self
12 Posted 09/05/2025 at 16:16:05
Yes, let's hang on to top United and Spurs, placing nicely behind Palace.

That would be a respectable platform for the rebuild.

Christy Ring
13 Posted 09/05/2025 at 16:19:57
Hopefully we'll put in a good shift and get a result tomorrow, Fulham are definitely punching above their weight, and playing great football under Silva.

I would like to see Calvert-Lewin starting tomorrow, would suit us better away from home.

Jimmy Carr
14 Posted 09/05/2025 at 16:59:32
Fulham still in with an outside chance of Europe? Unfortunately I think they'll be more motivated for this one and expect us to lose. Hope I'm wrong obviously.

Doucoure, Calvert-Lewin and Harrison to put on a bit of a show for their future playing careers at Everton? Nah.

Roll on the final game at Goodison, at least we're not panicking about relegation.

Peter Hodgson
15 Posted 09/05/2025 at 17:02:10
Mike @ 11. I suspect that you are not on your own with that wish. The vast majority of supporters will silently be hoping that you are right.

Danny @ 8. No, we don't need to win but wouldn't it be nice, and a good example, to take wins against Fulham and Southampton to the new stadium with us? So Moyesie and the boyes you know what you have to. COYB.

Peter Hodgson
16 Posted 09/05/2025 at 17:07:08
Jimmy @ 14. I hope that none of the three you mention are going to have anything to look foward to except finding a new employer next season. They deserve nothing less.
Jimmy Carr
17 Posted 09/05/2025 at 17:13:25
Mike (11),

I'm all for TFG taking some time to identify key management/board appointments but it's also a concerning state of affairs. With so much riding on summer in-goings and outgoings they surely need to get a move on.

Can't all be left in the hands of Davey surely? He'll still be dithering in the third week of August!! ;)

Jimmy Carr
18 Posted 09/05/2025 at 17:23:11
Peter (16)

I agree about Doucs and Harrison (The Haircut). Bit more on the fence with Calvert-Lewin. Still think he's the best No 9 at the club.

James Marshall
19 Posted 09/05/2025 at 17:50:52
Ticket blag alert!

If anyone on here happens to know of one going, I'll be at the ground about 2pm tomorrow. Pretty please with cherries on top! :-)

Danny Baily
20 Posted 09/05/2025 at 18:10:48
I notice that the barcodes will be updating their crest. We should do the same.

We have an excellent heritage crest, which we should use as our main crest starting next season.

Mark Murphy
21 Posted 09/05/2025 at 18:19:32
It's the weekend and Everton are “in town”! I'm meeting my mate and good Blue Martin Mason at Horsham to head to the Eight Bells at Putney to link up with Danny boy and big Rob and not so big Neil and other twebbers before a glorious victory in the sunshine.

I'm avoiding any Jim Bennings or Wooly Paul Hewitt predictions and hoping for a tonking victory!

UTFT on my favourite away day of the season!

Mike Gaynes
22 Posted 09/05/2025 at 18:23:39
Jimmy #17, at least we know who the CEO and chief negotiator will be, even though they haven't officially joined up yet from their previous clubs.

Not having a DoF or a chief scout is more concerning. From all reports Dan Purdy was supposed to fill that latter job, and his decision to leave the club instead was totally unexpected. Hopefully they can recruit the right guys before the window opens.

Gaute Lie
23 Posted 09/05/2025 at 18:59:42
I hope Calvert-Lewin does not start. We don't have to be his showroom for his next employer, do we?

And, let's face it: He ain't that good anyways!

Ian Jones
24 Posted 09/05/2025 at 19:16:44
Apologies if I've missed this but it appears Harrison Armstrong has returned to training with us after his loan spell at Derby.

Is he available to play in the last few games???

Dennis Stevens
25 Posted 09/05/2025 at 19:31:22
I don't think Moyes will even be considering him, Ian.

A sudden surge in injuries might see him on the bench, perhaps, if he's eligible.

Peter Mills
26 Posted 09/05/2025 at 19:31:38
Mark #21,

I'm familiar with one or two of those named, very best wishes for a great day.

Paul Ferry
27 Posted 09/05/2025 at 19:41:48
Mike Gaynes 11: 'Agreed, Danny, all this speculation is pointless. None of us have any idea what's going on behind the scenes'.

Mike Gaynes 22: 'Dan Purdy was supposed to fill that latter job, and his decision to leave the club instead was totally unexpected'.

Anthony Dove
28 Posted 09/05/2025 at 19:55:05
Ian @24.

I know that Armstrong is very highly regarded at Derby.

Whether or not he is available for our remaining games is irrelevant. He's at least five years too young to be on Moyes's radar.

Billy Shears
29 Posted 09/05/2025 at 19:58:55
Unlucky ground for us Blues... I can only see another defeat looming sadly.

I'll go for a narrow 2-1 loss, sadly more than likely Iwobi will score against us... probably the winner!!

Please prove me wrong, eh, Blue Boys!

Martin Mason
30 Posted 09/05/2025 at 20:00:27
Really great to get the opportunity to see a game again, thanks for the help, Danny. I'm looking forward to it and am just happy to be able to get to a game, a privilege.

I'm going for a decent performance and a win. Mark and me have been a bit of a lucky omen when we've watched together and it's winnable.

Rob Halligan
31 Posted 09/05/2025 at 20:08:41
Billy # 29………..An unlucky ground? We’re unbeaten there in the last three league games, two draws and one win. In the last five league games it’s won two, drawn two and lost one. Hardly unlucky.
Brendan McLaughlin
32 Posted 09/05/2025 at 20:12:58
Martin #30

That's the most caveated lucky omen twosome claim I've read in quite some time.

Brian Williams
33 Posted 09/05/2025 at 20:22:27
1-0 to the mighty Blues.
Danny O'Neill
34 Posted 09/05/2025 at 20:24:09
I put it on the wrong thread. Listening to Moyes, he spoke highly of Armstrong, who is back training at Finch Farm.

But it doesn't sound like we'll be seeing him until pre-season.

There's a good interview with him on the official website after signing a 3-year contract this week.

Sounds a very level-headed young man at the age of 18.

Returning Armstrong 'Excited' By Everton Future

Brian Williams
35 Posted 09/05/2025 at 20:45:05
He's not elligible to play in any of our remaining games due to the conditions of the loan.
Danny O'Neill
36 Posted 09/05/2025 at 20:47:50
London calling Mark. The boys are back in town.

Okay, the mature men are is probably more accurate. We will enjoy the day as if we are the teenagers we still think we are.

Martin. A pleasure and I look forward to seeing you again.

Come on Everton. In this week of all weeks, do it for Everton's travelling Dad's Army.

Mark Murphy
37 Posted 09/05/2025 at 20:54:59
“London Calling” absolutely banging song!
Everton away and good mates.
Can't wait!

And Billy Shears? GTF - go have a drink with Jim and Hewey in your own dingey pub - we're winning this!
UTFT

Neil Copeland
38 Posted 09/05/2025 at 21:42:34
Danny, “mature men”? Who? The mad blue travelling army more like it!

Hope to see you, Mark, Martin, Rob et al.

Love Fulham away, cracking fixture and as Rob says, pretty good recent record there.

Paul Ferry
39 Posted 09/05/2025 at 22:00:37
It's a walk in the park, Neil.
Michael Kenrick
40 Posted 09/05/2025 at 22:05:23
Danny @34,

I saw that. Not sure it constitutes a great interview but I am holding out great hopes for the lad as he seems to have had a great loan spell at The Rams.

The next stage of his journey will be critical. Will he be integrated into the first-team squad on the strength of a good loan spell at Derby County, and given game time to develop as a Premier League player with Everton?

Or will he be farmed out for more loan play in the lower leagues, where so many of Everton's Academy players ultimately find their level?

Moyes has history holding back and failing to make proper use of our greatest Academy talent, which I have never forgiven him for.

Neil Copeland
41 Posted 09/05/2025 at 22:05:52
Paul, very well put sir!
Ian Bennett
42 Posted 09/05/2025 at 22:31:38
Holding them back eh?

I'd be interested in how many academy players made it under Moyes in his 12 years, and how that compares in the post period.

I suspect Moyes has the better record, but yeah let's bash Moyes...

Robert Tressell
43 Posted 09/05/2025 at 22:33:39
I think there's a remarkable correlation between academy players being given a chance – and academy players who have ability.
Ryan Holroyd
44 Posted 09/05/2025 at 22:37:39
Which great academy players did Moyes not play?

What a load of shite.

Danny O'Neill
45 Posted 09/05/2025 at 22:42:32
I appreciate that a few may favour another loan and it is a conundrum, Michael.

I personally would rather see him involved with Everton's first team squad next season and getting game time with us.

Interestingly, he seems to have been used in a holding midfielder role with Derby, whereas I saw him more forward thinking in the few times he played for us. In his own words, he sees himself as box-to-box. He certainly has the energy levels for that.

The reality is, at 18 years old, he shouldn't be restricted or fixed in a position at this stage of his development.

Ian Bennett
46 Posted 09/05/2025 at 22:46:48
He did a decent job with Rice, so hopefully he can develop Graham and Armstrong.

Could save the club a fortune if he can.

Danny O'Neill
47 Posted 09/05/2025 at 23:05:48
Another one who could feature is Dixon. Disappointed in the U21s at the test event, but that's one match.

It's hard to think that Rooney is still not even 40 yet, when you consider Gana & Ashley Young as well as James Tarkowski.

Anyway, there will unlikely be any academy players on the pitch tomorrow unless one or two are on the bench and get a cameo when we're winning.

Ashley Roberts
48 Posted 09/05/2025 at 23:07:04
It would just be a great end to the season if we can keep ahead of the Mancs and Spurs considering how much the pair have spent on players. A win tomorrow would help in this respect.

The Ipswich game indicated to me that Ndiaye needs to go back on the outside and either Charly or McNeil need to play in the #10 role. If Calvert-Lewin doesn't start, I would like to see Chermiti play. Beto may put himself about but he has no link-up play as he is unable to control a football.

For me, Tarkowski is a huge loss and the last few games have shown how important a player he is, especially given his understanding with Jarad. To be honest, I think O'Brien will come good as a centre-back but again we have missed his presence and speed at right-back.

Having said all that, if I was a betting man, Doucoure, Harrison and Beto will all start at Craven Cottage.

Danny O'Neill
50 Posted 10/05/2025 at 06:02:27
O'Brien will eventually settle in his natural position of centre-back, Ashley, hopefully alongside Branthwaite.

Tarkowski, although a bit ropey earlier in the season (who wasn't, and I suspected he was playing with an injury), has been pivotal for us.

We need to start thinking about a successor to the leadership role he plays. Often a one-man band, discussing or arguing decisions with the officials, usually surrounded by a sea of opposition players. Maybe Branthwaite in time, there have been signs already.

Right now, other than the captain, we have a void in leaders on the pitch.

Anyway, the sun is shining here in London, there isn't a cloud in the clear blue sky, and there is a good service on most of the tube network. It's all set for a good day. Over to you Everton.

Bring your sunglasses.

Colin Oldfield
51 Posted 10/05/2025 at 07:19:00
Probs not the right place to ask but… London based Blue here looking ( and hoping ) for a ticket for the Fulham game today. Any spares or help in sourcing please? 🙏🏼
Colin Crooks
52 Posted 10/05/2025 at 08:55:51
Always a lovely away game. I look forward to a few beers down by the river in the mixed company of fellow blues and the least hostile home crowd in the league.

Fulham are a decent side and we need to be at our best to win today.

Come on, boys.

James Marshall
53 Posted 10/05/2025 at 09:31:41
In happy news, a fine ToffeeWebber got in touch last night with a ticket for me, so I will go to the ball after all :-)

Nice one, Ian.

Derek Knox
54 Posted 10/05/2025 at 09:35:39
James @ 53, happy for you mate, but try not to stay out till after midnight ! :-)
Sean Kelly
55 Posted 09/05/2025 at 09:42:35
Mike #11 I'm with you on finishing above Man Utd. I've 4 sons who all follow Man Utd and I too would have a smile like a Chester cat if we could finish above them.

BTW I still haven't found their real father …😂😂

James Marshall
56 Posted 10/05/2025 at 09:45:06
Sean @55,

I feel you, my son is also a Man Utd fan and I have the exact same wish just to see the smile on his... I mean, my face!

Haha, Derek, yeah I won't be out that late, not at my age!

Danny O'Neill
57 Posted 10/05/2025 at 10:18:48
Pleased for you, James.

If you and Colin are around, there's a few of us about. Although sometimes it's like heading cats, me being guilty. Just on my way into London.

Sean, I think I could have treated United. I genuinely don't know how I would have reacted if it had been Liverpool. Fortunately mine is blue.

Mike Doyle
58 Posted 10/05/2025 at 10:45:12
Lovely morning here in SW London.

Hope those who got tickets enjoy a great day out at Craven Cottage — one of the last great old grounds and home to a decent group of proper supporters (not tourists).

Liam Mogan
59 Posted 10/05/2025 at 11:16:19
That's what's wrong with the world these days – kids betraying fathers and choosing other teams! My son has been brainwashed from birth, just as I was brainwashed by my father before me. You've got to go full on nuclear North Korean indoctrination style on your offspring.

Everton to sneak a 4-3 win in an end-to-end entertainment fest in the sunshine. 2 for Beto, 1 for Ndiaye and Seamus Coleman, on as sub, with a last-minute winner from 25 yards.

Danny O'Neill
60 Posted 10/05/2025 at 11:28:05
Same here Liam. Never knew different since I can remember. I just was. The old East German Stasi approach also a good technique!!

Coleman scores = riot. Not that I approve of violence.

Liam Mogan
61 Posted 10/05/2025 at 11:53:39
My old tutor at university was a Stasi agent, Danny (true story), so I learnt a bit from him also!
Colin Malone
62 Posted 10/05/2025 at 12:05:14
I would give Doucoure what he wants, as long as he moves on. His shite.

Calvert-Lewin is still worth a new contract. I hope he stays.

Christy Ring
63 Posted 10/05/2025 at 12:06:32
Moyes more or less said Armstrong is having a holiday in his press conference, I don't know if he's even allowed play.

I'm disappointed he didn't give Dixon a chance at full-back, he looked good in the only game he played at Spurs.

Alan J Thompson
64 Posted 10/05/2025 at 12:09:35
I'd like to see both Beto and Calvert-Lewin on from the start as it might occupy both Fulham's central defenders and possibly one more which could leave gaps out wide or allow our midfield more room.

Do I think Moyes will try it? Not in my experience so back to the almost long ball game to the lone striker or just get wide and cross it to the same as we don't get enough support in the opposition box.

Tom Bowers
65 Posted 10/05/2025 at 12:18:09
These remaining few games are an ideal opportunity to see what we haven't seen much of so far, youngsters chomping at the bit to get a chance.

However, that won't happen because the same old crap will get the starts and the same old crap will be just that-crap.
Nothing for us to be gotten at Craven Cottage unless we can unexpectedly get another Forest result.

Losing Capt.Tarks has upset the defence and although Obrien may be the replacement down the line I fear Branthwaite is missing the great partnership he had with Tarks. after shipping 2 goals to relegated Ipswich.

The Southampton game is important for obvious reasons so let's at least leave Goodison on a high note.

Danny O'Neill
66 Posted 10/05/2025 at 12:39:31
It is a chance to play with freedom and try something different.

The problem with the youngsters is that Armstrong can't play and Dixon isn't involved. I don't there is anyone else.

I don't see much of a change from last week unless he brings Doucoure back.

I like the idea of playing Calvert-Lewin and Beto together, even for 20 minutes. See what happens.

Andrew Clare
67 Posted 10/05/2025 at 12:55:06
Really hope we win but recent form suggests otherwise.

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