Everton vs Sunderland, FA Cup: Preview, Predicted Lineups and Where to Watch

Everton will begin their FA Cup journey with a third-round clash against Sunderland at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Toffees, who last won this prestigious tournament in 1995, will be eyeing a deeper run in the competition this time around after the dismal campaigns of late. Since finishing runners-up in 2009, Everton have made two semi-finals and four quarter-finals appearances but they haven’t been able to get past the fourth round in any of their last three seasons.

An early elimination from the EFL Cup after a disappointing loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers makes the FA Cup even more important for the Blues.

Everton and Sunderland have already met in the league once this season, sharing spoils after a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light. This is the first FA Cup meeting between the two sides since the 2011-12 quarter-final which the Toffees won 2-0. Everton have also knocked out the Black Cats eight times from this competition.

David Moyes’ side drew 1-1 with Wolves over the weekend. Michael Keane gave the hosts the first-half lead with a clinical finish but was on the receiving end of a bizarre VAR decision and was sent off at the 83rd minute for “violent conduct”.

Jack Grealish lost his cool in the aftermath of the incident and followed his teammate to the dressing room shortly after, leaving the Blues to defend with nine men for the final minutes of the contest.

That stalemate has extended Everton’s winless streak in front of their supporters to three games and the Blues will be desperate to secure their first win at Hill Dickinson Stadium since the 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in early December.

Sunderland, meanwhile, are also winless in their last five games after suffering a 3-0 loss to Brentford and they’ve won just once in their last 12 games. As a result, they find themselves 10th in the league table, just one point ahead of Everton at 12th.

They suffered consecutive third-round exits against Newcastle United and Stoke City over the last two seasons, respectively and have been eliminated in each of their last seven FA Cup ties against teams from the same division as them.

Everton vs Sunderland, FA Cup - Team News and Predicted Lineups

Everton Team News

Everton will miss Michael Keane and Jack Grealish for this FA Cup clash. Keane got a straight red after VAR deemed his tug of Tolu Arokobare’s hair “violent conduct” while Grealish lost his cool and was awarded two successive yellow cards for dissent and sarcastically applauding the referee.

Grealish will serve his one-game suspension this weekend while Keane will begin a three-game ban. Meanwhile, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jarrad Branthwaite, Seamus Coleman and Charly Alcaraz are out injured.

The Blues will also miss the Senegal duo of Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye, with the quarter-finals of the AFCON being played over the weekend.

Mark Travers is the designated cup keeper for Everton this season and is likely to replace the ever reliant Jordan Pickford in goal for this fixture. Meanwhile, the absences of Keane and Grealish could lead to Nathan Patterson and Tyler Dibling securing starts once again.

Everton’s predicted starting XI: Mark Travers (GK), Nathan Patterson, James Tarkowski, Jake O’Brien, Vitalii Mykolenko, James Garner, Tim Iroegbunam, Harrison Armstrong, Tyler Dibling, Beto, Dwight McNeil

Form Guide -

Everton: L-L-D-W-L

Sunderland: W-D-D-D-D

Head-to-Head -

Matches: 185

Everton wins: 83

Sunderland wins: 71

Draws: 31

When is Everton vs Sunderland, FA Cup match?

Everton will face Sunderland in the third round of the FA Cup on the afternoon of Saturday, January 10. Kickoff at Hill Dickinson Stadium is scheduled at 12:15 pm UK time.

Where to watch Everton vs Sunderland in the FA Cup?

The FA Cup clash between Everton vs Sunderland will be broadcast live on TNT Sports. The match will also be available for live streaming on Discovery+ platform.

Reader Comments (101)

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Eric Myles 1 Posted 09/01/2026 at 08:21:01

Talking with a Sunderland fan the other day and he reckons they're not interested in this game and will field a weak side.

I reckon Moyes will not want to risk silly injuries to an already depleted squad and will play the U-21s and U-18s.

A game neither side wants contest.

Mark Murphy 3 Posted 09/01/2026 at 08:39:09

I don’t understand why Sunderland would field a weakened side? They’ve surely done enough to secure safety in their first season up which is target #1.

Why shouldn’t they go for the cup?

Bit like us - I’ll be very annoyed if Moyes doesn’t field his strongest team.

Terry Farrell 4 Posted 09/01/2026 at 09:01:01

Swap McNeil with Rohl

Derek Knox 5 Posted 09/01/2026 at 09:09:00

Mark, I agree on both points there, Traversty not playing Pickford against his boyhood (home) team.

As regards to playing an understrength side, pure fantasy on someone's part. We are forced to play an understrength side due to may reasons, not by choice. Hopefully those given the role of playing can and will have something to prove. Namely Patterson, Dibling and McNeil, who has been very disappointing.

Neil Lawson 6 Posted 09/01/2026 at 09:09:30

Do you remember those wonderful saturdays when the 3rd round of the cup kicked off everywhere at 3pm. The excitement of pitential upsets on dodgy pitches. Where every club put out its strongest side and supporters dreamt of a trip to Wembley.

Where has all of that gone?

The notion now of. weakened/alternative teams and a designated cup keeper is dreadful. It's a competition every club should be desperate to win, not least for its supporters and a pathway into Europe.

So, tomorrow, don't fanny around. Pickford to start. Strongest 11 to win the game. Unless there is some inredible and unforseeable outcome to Keane' appeal, the back four should pick itself. McNeil will replace Grealish and Dibling given another chance with Armstrong to continue. There arent really any alternatives other than Beto for Barry and Rohl given a role somewhere. Moyes wont play any other kids. Go out and win it for us.

Anjishnu Roy 7 Posted 09/01/2026 at 09:30:32

Mark, I agree with you. Ideally, we should be starting with Pickford. Let's see what Mr Moyes decides.

Ian Wilkins 8 Posted 09/01/2026 at 09:42:01

Did I miss a rule change?

Isn’t Keane available to play until his Appeal is heard? Unless it’s heard today of course.

Mark Murphy 9 Posted 09/01/2026 at 09:46:24

Derek, apart from the keeper situation I don't think Moyes CAN pick a weakened side, unless he plays some kids?

Rohl / McNeil may be the only selection "headache" he has given the availability we have.

Patterson may not be best right back in the league but he's the ONLY right back we have and should be played there. Personally, whatever happens on Saturday, and unless we get a new right back in this window, Patterson should be given a fair run in the side to see what he can do. He must be absolute dogshit in training if Jake O'Brien is keeping him out.

My team

Pickford

Patterson Obrien Tarkowski Mykolenko

Garner Armstrong Iroegbunam Mcneil

Grealish

Barry

Garner and McNeil instructed to double up with their full backs when were on the back foot.

10 Posted 09/01/2026 at 10:03:23

Anjishnu,

If you agree with Mark that ideally Pickford should start then why did you put Travers in the team. I suspect you are being mischievous to get this thread talking about Moyes rather than the team and the match.

I believe the team picks itself but would put Beto before Barry as I believe he provides a more physical impact. Barry is too timid.

That leaves us with the following realistic sub options, Barry Rohl and Alcaraz. Aznou and the untried youngster provide the other options.

I am not sure why McNeil is the latest scapegoat on TW for our poor performance. From what I saw against Forest, he constantly doubled up with Myko on their wingers meaning that their cross were poor which made our two central defenders look like world beaters. On the other side Dibling didnt cop on that he had to do the same thing for Patterson until well into the game and probably from getting a roasting from Moyes to work harder. Was it not McNeill who provide the pass for Garners goal, Was it McNeill who won the ball in our own box which eventually led to Garner to providing the inch perfect pass to set up Barry.

There are many other candidates to pick as scapegoat.

Mark Murphy 12 Posted 09/01/2026 at 10:15:56

DOH!

Of course! And I forgot Dibling, durrrrr...

So

Pickford

Patterson Obrien Tarkowski Mykolenko

Garner Armstrong Iroegbunam

Dibling Barry McNeil

sorry - old age and brain farts

Mark Murphy 13 Posted 09/01/2026 at 10:24:29

To follow up

When/If everyone is back and fit:

Pickford

Patterson Obrien Branthwaite Mykolenko

Garner Gana KDH

Ndiaye Barry Grealish

Subs

Travers

Tyler

King

Beto

Dibling

Alcaraz

Tarkowski

Keane

Seamus

Aznou

Ibroegbunam

Rohl

McNeil

were gonna win the League!

Waiting

Neil Cremin 14 Posted 09/01/2026 at 10:25:18

I’m sure I’m as old Mark.

I now agree with your team but would start Beto instead of Barry ans he is faste and offers more of a physical threat. We can use Barry later in the game. Last time I got over to attend a game Beto scored twice so I’m hoping for the same again

Derek Knox 15 Posted 09/01/2026 at 10:32:18

To quote my good friend John McFarlane Snr, " we all watch the same game[s] but yet have differing opinions. I will say again I can't understand why Patterson gets such a bad reputation. Okay, he is no World beater, but neither is he as bad as people make out. I could understand if every time he has played we have been mullered 0-6.

His defensive duties may not be the best, but he is great going forward and links up well with Dibling, another who gets bad publicity on here, the lad has had few chances to have a run in the side.

Most players have a bad game every now and again, it's just that some get pilloried more than most !

Derek Knox 16 Posted 09/01/2026 at 10:34:29

EDIT BUTTON ISSUE STILL NOT ADDRESSED ! Grrrr !

Raymond Fox 17 Posted 09/01/2026 at 10:42:59

I'm usually in two minds about how strong a team to pick for cup games.

The FA Cup is special, but have we a realistic chance of winning the thing, I very much doubt we have.

What happens if we get a couple more bad injuries in the games, we will be struggling to find players good enough to come in, in the league games.

I know this is most probably a minority view, so fire away.

Bye the way, if you look at the league table today there is only 1 team Fulham from the 7th down to 20th places that have won more than 1 game from the last 6 games. I think that shows how closely matched most of the league is.

Mark Murphy 18 Posted 09/01/2026 at 10:46:02

Neil - enjoy the game, I wish I was going now but I cant do every game anymore.

I really think Barry will get better as he grows into the game and once Ndiaye gets back.

I predict Barry will get at least 10 league goals by the end of the season.

Dave Lynch 19 Posted 09/01/2026 at 10:51:15

I've been looking back on you tube regarding Dibbling and he's a very competent player.

He's not being used correctly and I reckon his confidence is shot or Davey Boy has been trying to beat the creative streak out of him, which tbf he's got form for.

Rob Dolby 20 Posted 09/01/2026 at 10:58:20

Derek 15,

Patterson has nothing about his game, nothing. He can't defend, run fast or cross with quality. He isn't good enough.

He will play tomorrow but is a liability, even for the u23s he looks poor.

Pickford

Patterson O'Brien Tarkowski mykolenko

Rohl garner Armstrong McNeil

Tim

Beto

I wouldn't put money on us to win this one.

Ged Simpson 21 Posted 09/01/2026 at 10:59:16

I think we will look back at a poor festive period and my silly, (prob unread) reactive post criticising Moyes was just that. As 2026 sense kicks in and work banter returns, realise he is having much more challenges than Red Clot.

But still stick by stance that we sort RB and striker issue by loans with option to but now and v optimistic for 2026 especially when 2026/7 kicks off.

Until then, let's forgive each other for quick reactive, unsubstantiated and ultimately, non aggressive crap.

Who needs the nerds!

Mark Murphy 22 Posted 09/01/2026 at 11:11:23

Just watched the Moyes presser and it sounds like he intends to play Pickford.

BUT, when asked if Patterson will now get a chance he got a bit prickly and said he wont reveal who he will pick. I thing Patterson is definitely persona non grata at Everton (not just Moyes, is it?)

He was talking of the VAR involvement the other night and said he was "disappointed with who ever was on VAR that found the need to point that out to the young referee" and made a couple more comments about "whoever was on VAR"... Someone pointed out to him that it was Chris Kavanagh, and his face set and he growled "Ah know who it wae" very menacingly

Anthony Dove 23 Posted 09/01/2026 at 11:20:23

Neil@6 Totally agree.Without doubt the FA Cup has provided me with my

best football memories over the years, and, thank you Jeff Astle, Clive

Thomas and Ian Rush, some of the worst. Treat it like a cup tie now

means playing the reserves. I remember Everton got fined for playing

a weakened team in the league before the 1966 Final. I don’t think

Moyes will risk the wrath of supporters by not picking the best team,

and don’t get me started on the idea of playing the reserve keeper.

Brendan McLaughlin 24 Posted 09/01/2026 at 11:20:31

Ged #21

"Until then"... you mean tomorrow?

John Collins 25 Posted 09/01/2026 at 11:28:14

No trophy for 30 plus years.

Moyes will sacrifice the FA Cup tomorrow imo.

On another note,i read an article,Moyes is the second highest paid manager in the prem.

Only Guardiola gets more than him

Steve Brown 26 Posted 09/01/2026 at 11:56:40

Progressing far in the FA Cup or targeting A Magnificent 7th.

It's a tough one.

Mark Murphy 27 Posted 09/01/2026 at 12:02:44

Thinking back to Moyes's demeanor when asked about Patterson, I think he'll stick Garner at right-back and put Rohl in midfield.

It was quite telling that, when asked about Pickford playing, he was all smiles and hopeful... but, when asked if Patterson would play, his face visibly darkened and his tone was annoyance.

Mark Murphy 28 Posted 09/01/2026 at 12:06:02

Anthony @ 23.

We don't actually have "a weaker team" though do we? We have what we have and, apart from who plays right-back, even Moyes can't pick a weakened eleven.

Now tactics? That's another matter...

Brendan McLaughlin 29 Posted 09/01/2026 at 12:07:46

Steve #26,

For Moyes... not so much.

Paul Murray 30 Posted 09/01/2026 at 12:12:20

John @25,

Moyes earns a good salary, as have all Everton managers lately. Big Sam Allardyce was on more than Zidane when at Madrid!!!

But Davie is certainly not the second best-paid manager in Premier League. Arteta, Emery, Frank, Slot and Eddie Howe on more, as was Ruben Amorin.

Patterson, as we know, is not our answer to a right-back but the best we have available; he definitely should play. He does help Dibling who needs managing properly, he's a 19-year-old kid who sadly is struggling at the moment with the move up north as well as learning his all round game.

Pick the strongest side possible and go for a trophy. Or it's the season over in January... No thanks, Davie.

John Collins 31 Posted 09/01/2026 at 12:21:55

Paul 25.

The list I read was from PremierLeague Now.co.uk

It has Moyes annual salary at £12.5 million.

Your right though,Arteta is second on £13 million.

Grealish apart, that equates to Moyes being the highest earner at the club.

£250,000 per week

.

Brendan McLaughlin 32 Posted 09/01/2026 at 12:40:32

John #31,

There's some confusion around this as it's also been reported elsewhere that it's £12.5M for the full 30-month period which sounds much more believable.

John Collins 33 Posted 09/01/2026 at 12:53:13

Brendan @32,

It does make more sense. Surely he can't be on £1M per month?

Derek Knox 34 Posted 09/01/2026 at 12:56:21

Not jumping the gun, before tomorrow's outcome, but I feel, as I believe many others do too, that we are grateful to Moyes for getting us out of the mire we were in under Dyche.

Having said that, even taking unfortunate injuries and suspensions, Afcon etc, he has not proved to be the manager he was some months ago. I hope TFG are looking for a long-term replacement.

The sooner the better!

John Hall 35 Posted 09/01/2026 at 13:01:52

I agree that Travers will play in goal and lots of kids will play as Moyes is not arsed about domestic cups, only European ones!

This will be another embarrassment like the Carabao Cup game we lost to Wolves when he made too many changes. I hope nobody has paid good money to watch this debacle.

Tony Abrahams 36 Posted 09/01/2026 at 13:02:04

Perhaps Patterson is feeling a little bit of tightness in his groin, calf, thigh or hamstring?

Hopefully not but it sometimes goes with the territory when people feel they haven't been getting treated properly by their manager...

Ian Wilkins 37 Posted 09/01/2026 at 13:10:53

Moyes will play the best team he has available to him.

Pickford will play unless injured (Moyes said if available). Patterson will probably start, though interest in taking him on loan from Seville (offering him game time) may scupper that. Provided we have another right-back lined up.

There is media speculation about a Genk right-back currently at Afcon with Morocco. It would be a brave decision to leave Patterson out.

I think his choices are Barry or Beto, Rohl or Dibling. And a bench full of youngsters and goalkeepers.

Clive Rogers 38 Posted 09/01/2026 at 13:19:57

The problem for Moyes is that we have 10 decent players plus the interchangeable Barry and Beto. 11 when Branthwaite is fit.

As soon as players are absent for whatever reason, the players who come in are all substandard apart from Iroegbunam who is inconsistent but improving. Patterson can't defend, Rohl has been dreadful, McNeil has gone backwards since his injury, Dibling has lost confidence and Aznou is clearly not ready for the Premier League.

Mark Murphy 39 Posted 09/01/2026 at 13:32:39

I’ve never felt more like singing the blues, when Mali win and Senegal lose….

Come ON Mali, send them home!!

1600 ko live on 4+

Bill Fairfield 40 Posted 09/01/2026 at 13:37:21

Moyes sounded a bit flat and unenthusiastic during that press conference. Maybe it’s because of the Keane situation. Hopefully the team are up for it tomorrow. COYB.

Dale Self 41 Posted 09/01/2026 at 13:40:20

Mark, that is Malicious!

Dale Self 42 Posted 09/01/2026 at 13:41:41

And yes, Patterson is an Almeyda type RB. Send him.

Neil Cremin 43 Posted 09/01/2026 at 13:56:48

Mark 27I don't think that would be a worse alternative to Patterson.

John 35Amazing that you can predict the future as to our team tomorrow. As somebody who has paid a lot of money to go to the game I look forward with optimism to the game tomorrow and visiting the new stadium. Don't need to hear predicting negativity on baseless assumption on who will play.

Neil Cremin 44 Posted 09/01/2026 at 14:04:34

One crazy though on tomorrows team which I would predict is similar to what is mentioned with the decisions being

Garner instead of Patterson leaving Rohl in Midfield

Rohl instead of Patterson leaving Garner in midfield.

Other midfielders Dibling, Tim, Armstrong, McNeill

The only other question is striker and I would prefer Beto.

Here comes the crazy thought, without Jack holding up and slowing down play, this midfield would move the ball faster to the striker and maybe give us more goal scoring chances. Beto to score 2

Eric Myles 45 Posted 09/01/2026 at 14:26:04

Tony #36, are you saying that players who really want to play will make up excuses why they don't want to play?

Mark Murphy 46 Posted 09/01/2026 at 14:32:04

Neil - I hope you have a great day tomorrow.

Despite my feelings at the end of the Brentford game, I wish I was there tomorrow.

Up them fucking Toffees!

Martin Farrington 47 Posted 09/01/2026 at 14:54:41

Dreading tomorrow. I fear a humiliation.

Will Moyes do a league cup line up ?

The issue is and always will be with Moyes his fossilised tactics and non use of subs until its game over.

He's deffo here to the end of his contract.

Why ?

Because he has brought a bunch of relegation regulars to at least mid table. Giving the owners financial ease on the huge debt and further manoeuvrability with ffp, that the previous crooks daddled the club with.

So horror show all the way, interspersed with the occasional successful win blip, until he is 2nd time gone

Mark Murphy 48 Posted 09/01/2026 at 15:00:13

Dale that’s shocking!

Come on TWers - be positive! Nothing to be gained from predicting doom!

Fingers toes and everything possible crossed and let’s hope Jesus Christ really IS an Evertonian!

Christy Ring 49 Posted 09/01/2026 at 15:04:21

Mark#22 Regarding Moyes press conference, when the reporter presumed Patterson would play tomorrow, Moyes said ‘we haven’t decided who’s playing fullback tomorrow’, reading between the lines, sounds like a kick in the teeth and if you were Dibling, how would you feel looking at how poor McNeill was the other night and Moyes did nothing, and hooked him in the previous game after 45min’s?

Raymond Fox 50 Posted 09/01/2026 at 15:13:22

You can see Moyes hates these press conferences, I would guess most managers do to. The money he is on you would think he would cheer up though.

The only useful bits are about injuries and who's fit to play

Ian Wilkins 51 Posted 09/01/2026 at 15:19:25

You say that Raymond but all I hear is Branthwaites back on the grass ( nothing meaningful). No update KDH, just out, and we haven’t even been told what the Alcaraz injury is.

You don’t want to give your team away but you could give the fans a more useful update.

Derek Knox 52 Posted 09/01/2026 at 15:19:44

Christy, I am rapidly becoming disillusioned with Moyes. He always boiled my piss (usually) with his team selections and Subs timing and personnel.

His arse is tailor made for a TFG Boot !

Jay Harris 53 Posted 09/01/2026 at 16:04:49

Now is not the time to be doubting Moyes,

He is here till at least the end of the season and is working with breadcrumbs of a squad.

I would like to see some of the younger players given a chance, but we have to be careful not to make wholesale changes such that the team is full of strangers that don't know each other's game.

I would have liked to see Justin Clarke and Braiden Graham given some game time and young Dibling needs a chance to show what he can do.

Patto may be ok going forward but defensively he is a real liability so expect Garner there and Armstrong and Rohl in DM.

Front three is very debatable with McNeil not showing enough and the two strikers not being enough of a threat. We also need more creativity but apart from the youth players mentioned I don't see much.

Mike Powell 54 Posted 09/01/2026 at 16:17:56

We have to play our strongest team, out of who ever is available,got to stay in this competition as long as we can to keep our season alive.What is the use of being in it if we don't have a go at it, plus it's great for us fans, love trips to wembley,not saying we are gonna get there, but would be fantastic for the club and fans if we do, So come on you blues let's do the mackems

Jay Harris 55 Posted 09/01/2026 at 16:25:50

Mike,

After listening to Moyes's presser, I think he doubts getting anywhere near Wembley this season, so may be more negative about the Sunderland game.

Dale Self 56 Posted 09/01/2026 at 16:29:58

Jay 53, was that the approach taken with Dyche? Didn't think so.

He has had a much better squad and has dug basically the same hole. Time is up, we don't want him back next season.

Mike Powell 57 Posted 09/01/2026 at 16:32:19

I have backed Moyes all the way, but if he doesn't play his strongest team, then I am done with him.

What is the use of throwing this game like the Wolves game just to finish between 10th or 12th in the Premier League, we might as well just pack in all together.

Mark Murphy 58 Posted 09/01/2026 at 16:32:49

Ndiaye has just scored for Senegal.

Bastard!

Martin Farrington 59 Posted 09/01/2026 at 16:52:37

Mark @ 58 🤣😂

Tony Abrahams 60 Posted 09/01/2026 at 17:14:30

That reminded me of Laurel & Hardy, that question, Eric.

I was dreaming I was asleep but, when I woke up, I was still asleep.

If a player wants to play, he will train normally. But if a player doesn't like the way he's been treated by his manager, it's possible he might throw one in instead.

Throwing one in was a reference to someone saying they weren't fit because they didn't really fancy it for whatever reason, but hopefully Nathan Patterson, isn't injured and he's ready to play a part in an Everton victory tomorrow.

Michael Connelly 61 Posted 09/01/2026 at 17:30:43

How many people on this thread are forgetting 3 of our best players (Ndiaye; Gueye; Dewsbury-Hall) have been missing for weeks and a 4th in Grealish will be missing tomorrow.

Let's forget all that and our positive first part of the season and reiterate how much we don't rate Moyes as a manager. Yawn.

John Collins 62 Posted 09/01/2026 at 17:44:36

Michael 61,

Do you rate Moyes mate?

Bobby Mallon 63 Posted 09/01/2026 at 18:02:54

He better play our best side. I'm not driving over 400 mile round trip to watch a fucking under 21 team get twatted.

Billy Shears 64 Posted 09/01/2026 at 18:15:09

A comfy win for the Mackems like, as Moyes won't change his safety-first management!

My prediction... 0-2.

Another season over.

Kieran Kinsella 65 Posted 09/01/2026 at 18:25:13

Bobby

I shouldn't worry. Our "best" side right now with injuries and Afcon is stronger than the "B team" we put out versus Wolves.

And there is no way Moyes will send out untried Under-21s. He barely gives a run-out to the ones with Premier League experience.

Neil Cremin 66 Posted 09/01/2026 at 18:56:26

Just catching up on comments here and frankly it's depressing. Everton so-called fans:

1. Predicting a weakened line-up without justification. Yes everyois citing the Carabao Cup game at Wolves where, to the best of my recollection, many on TW were calling to give the newer players a chance and now everyone has 20:20 vision when it backfired.

2. Forecasting a loss to justify your opposition to Moyes but go into hiding if we win.

3. I know Moyes has a contract till the end of 2026-27 season but, based on what he has achieved to date, especially with an ever-depleted squad who knows how TFG will judge him which in the end of the day is all that matters.

On looking to replace our last manager, I have seen candidates mentioned such as Maresca, Potter, Frank, Iriola, Nuno, Postacoglou and Glasner and, with the exception of the last, have all failed some miserably. Be careful for what we wish for.

All that matters is we pick the best team available and that those picked give it their all. Then we can decide, if we lose, whether it's the manager or the players.

Dave Abrahams 67 Posted 09/01/2026 at 19:02:54

Braiden Graham hasn’t been picked for tonight’s U 21’s team tonight, so he could be on the bench tomorrow, might as well be a church bench for all the chance he has of Moyes putting him on the pitch.

We are playing Leicester City at Walton Hall Ave if anyone is interested although the match has just started.

Christy Ring 68 Posted 09/01/2026 at 19:03:36

Kieran@ 65 is 100% correct in my opinion, he won't play untried U21s.

But does it make sense maybe playing McNeil ahead of Dibling and playing maybe Rohl at fullback instead of Patterson, because Moyes doesn't trust them?

Ian Bennett 69 Posted 09/01/2026 at 19:24:34

Dave, there were plenty that said Armstrong wouldn't get near on the pitch either. But he started after that strong cameo vs Brentford.

Hopefully see some Graham from the bench.

Dave Abrahams 70 Posted 09/01/2026 at 20:23:21

Ian (69),

I think Armstrong had a few minutes here and there for the first team before he was selected to start the other night and although he was chosen it was out of necessity but looked like it will be easier to chose him again.

I would love to see Braiden Graham play for the first team... if not tomorrow, then before the season ends.

Ian Bennett 71 Posted 09/01/2026 at 20:49:04

Yeah, saw him vs Mansfield in the cup as well. He had a decent game that night.

Genuinely excited we have a gem there.

Sean O\'Hanlon 72 Posted 09/01/2026 at 21:56:20

So the Everton Manager has been talking to Grealish about his sending off. You're a little late for man-management Moyes. The current sequence of this 2-game "shit-show" is totally down to him.

After establishing one of the best displays of the season, by putting together our best centre-back partnerships, he destroys it in the next game. Not only was the performance in itself wery good, it inspired other team members to have their best games of the season: James Garner, Tim, etc. Having a solid foundation at the back, is absolutely essential, and inspires confirdence in the team, which was clearly seen against Forest. Any decent manager would have retained the same CB partnership for at least several games - but not Moyes!

What was he doing??? The team completely fell apart after Keane was brought in for the Brentford game. It affected all players, who were suddenly below par. This is where Moyes' lack of man-management skills become patently obviously: how do players after putting in such good performances react now they are being shifted around? They are rewarded by being moved out of position!

Would he swallow his pride and admit he made a mistake for the Brentford game? Not a chance! Then we have have sequence 2 of his current shit-how: Wolves!. There are no excuses for the players after the red cards, but I can understand their frustration with such appalling management.

So tomorrow, sequence 3 of the Moyes shit-show will continue. Yes, he'll be forced to bring back O'Brien to partner Tarkowski out of necessity!

Moyes will never accept any responsibility for his fuck-ups, and continues making the same mistakes year in and year out. This man is no good for Everton! He has no CV, and in a normal business never get an interview. Please leave our club you phoney!

Mark Murphy 73 Posted 09/01/2026 at 22:08:13

Kinell Billy

Have a whisky mate and cheer up!

COYB!

Neil Cremin 74 Posted 09/01/2026 at 23:22:40

Sean

If he is forced to pair O Brien and Tarks which you wish, why do you say we will have a shit show tomorrow.

I see you don’t like Moyes but no real logic in your argument,

I’m not defending him but illogical rants are pointless.

Jay Harris 75 Posted 09/01/2026 at 00:07:13

Dale,

I assume you are talking for everyone when you say WE don’t want Moyes.

I believe a large number of evertonians are grateful to have Moyes at this moment in time. He may not be the best but he sure as hell isn’t the worst and with the paucity of the squad deserves a modicum of patience and support.

Bill Gall 76 Posted 10/01/2026 at 01:49:32

I do not think the line up will be as bad as we think, I think Moyes may go for 4/3/3 with Pickfor, Patterson, Tark:s and Mykolenco. I not sure who he will be able to pick for midfield if any of them,but he has Garner, Armstrong, Alcoraz, Rohl, Iroegbunam. to pick from if all of them are fit. Then he has Mcniel Beto Barry Dibling. There might be someone I have missed buy he should have enough for a competitive side

But we are talking about Everton, and who can tell what will happen. A win is definitely possible but that will depend on the players, the manager is unpredictable,

Annika Herbert 77 Posted 10/01/2026 at 02:10:30

Jay @ 75, you may well be right about the support in favour of Moyes. But I am fairly certain there are also a large number of fans, including myself, who want him gone.

Especially those of us who witnessed his previous stint here. Whist there were some good moments, there were also a lot of bad ones. A 10 year stint with no trophies won is almost unheard of. But we were forced to listen to the glass ceiling comments etc.

It’s thanks and goodbye for me

Annika Herbert 78 Posted 10/01/2026 at 02:22:09

Neil @ 66, so by criticising Moyes, people can happily be classed as so called fans? Does that mean only the happy clappers can be classed as real fans?

I very much doubt that fans of Bournemouth class Iriols as a miserable failure. Lost many of their best players prior to the new season and have now lost Semenyo. Moyes would be crying a river if he had lost so many players.

Nor do I go into hiding when we win. I praised Moyes after the Forest victory. But I am certainly not going to praise him for what has followed since.

If you are happy with a defensive minded manager with little, or no, tactical nous, then good for you. I want better though

Steve Brown 79 Posted 10/01/2026 at 04:21:53

Maresca, Frank, Iriola and Glasner are not failures.

We’d be fortunate to have any of them.

Derek Knox 80 Posted 10/01/2026 at 05:42:14

Annika, well said there mate, and Steve Brown too !

Paul Griffiths 81 Posted 10/01/2026 at 05:58:58

You going the match Derek

Darren Hind 82 Posted 10/01/2026 at 06:37:15

Neil Cremin,

You strike me as being old school, the sort who will wait to see which team is actually selected before you comment on it.

You won't scream the house down before a ball is kicked. You will wait for a game to be over before you pass judgement. You strike me as being a very good Evertonian.

Unfortunately. Neil, you are a dying breed. It's not about supporting your team anymore (at least it doesn't seem like that to me). To me, it's all about being right on websites now.

I would argue from sun up till sun down against apologism. I really don't like people trying to defend everything, but at least you know whose side the apologists are on.

The advent of social media has produced a new breed: non-contributing malcontents, I call them. I'm not talking about people who can't get to a game because they are sick, skint, or live so far away. They can't get to a match.

I'm not talking about people who kick up fuck when they see unacceptable performances. (That's not just a right, it's a duty.) I'm not talking about people who criticise the manager after every defeat. Fuck knows, I'm hardly in a position to do that.

What I am talking about is people who prepare their I-t.

Darren Hind 83 Posted 10/01/2026 at 06:49:56

Told-you-so's 2 days before a match. People who are so desperate to be right about certain individuals, they forget to support the team before and during the match.

I'm talking about people who know Jack-shit about who is available, but still want to scream the house down before the team is named. I'm talking about people who don't ever bring anything but doom and gloom.

Be of no doubt: the 8,000 Mackems will certainly make plenty of noise. They will definitely support their team. No matter who it is.

Get behind your team, for fuck's sake. You've got the rest of your life to bleat and whine if we get knocked out.

Paul Griffiths 84 Posted 10/01/2026 at 06:52:53

Loved your post, Darren, apart from 'from sun up till sun down'.

Boundary Road might be different, but sunrise to sunset mate, come on.

Enjoy the match, Darren. 2-1.

Ajay Gopal 85 Posted 10/01/2026 at 06:53:40

It is amusing to read the debate about whether Moyes will field a strong or weak side. I would be glad if he can put out any side at all.

I can see him put out this side:

Pickford Patterson O'Brien Tarkowski Mykolenko Garner Iroegbunam ArmstrongDibling Barry McNeil

Subs: Beto, Rohl, Aznou, Travers

Derek Thomas 86 Posted 10/01/2026 at 06:57:02

Bill @ 76; all you say is true enough -- but then we have to factor in how Sunderland might (or might not) approach it.

Will they do a Dyche and -- allegedly -- prioritise Premier League points over the FA Cup?Will they fancy their chances and go for it?Will they come and play for penalties?Will we for that matter?

As always with our Regents Road Ramblers -- more questions than answers!

Mike Gaynes 87 Posted 10/01/2026 at 07:13:59

Dave and Ian, what have you seen in Graham that makes you think he could have a potential impact on the first team?

I've heard almost nothing about him. Please share.

Paul Griffiths 88 Posted 10/01/2026 at 07:40:02

Erm, he's not Barry or Beto.

John Hall 89 Posted 10/01/2026 at 08:40:14

I reckon he'll change 5 or 6 players with Pickford not in the squad. He'll argue that we should rest them for the PL. he could rest the whole defence! Campbell, Reece, Graham, Bates did not play last night for the U-21s

Ian Bennett 90 Posted 10/01/2026 at 08:41:00

I think he can get on the end of chances Mike, as he has a bit of pace and is someone who I think will get into the right areas and could take his chance.

With 10 minutes to go or extra time, id put him right of a 3, if you needed a goal. He's more likely to get something than a Rohl. That assumes Dibling isn't on the bench.

I am not saying he's in Armstrong's class, but we are short in game changers from the bench. Thats another problem of this team.

Neil Cremin 91 Posted 10/01/2026 at 09:11:35

Darren

If you have read any of my post I always put my cards on the table. But here is my old school team from the players available

As someone who does not know why Patterson is so out of favour with all our past managers I would opt for

Pickford

Patterson O'Brien Tarkowski Mykolenko

Garner Iroegbunam Armstrong

Dibling Beto McNeil

Caveat heee is Dibling must work harder to support Paterson defensively. Sunderland have very fast technically skilled wingers

Alternatively if no faith in Patterson

Rohl or Garner at full back instead of Patterson if Garner at full back then Rohl in midfield.

My main gripe with many of the posts is plenty of negative criticism before the game.

My post criticised the defeatist sentiments expressed.

My main criticism of Everton is our pace of play and dare I say it Jack doesn’t help. Maybe without him we might move the ball fast and give our strikers better chances

Hope that response from and old schooler answers your post

Let’s talk again after the game

Mark Murphy 92 Posted 10/01/2026 at 09:27:44

I’m not even going today and I’m a bag of nerves and excitement. It’s the FA cup and we CAN win this!

To all of you going the game shout yourselves hoarse, drown out the Mackem hordes and have a great day!

I hope the team gives you the performance you deserve.

Neil Cremin 93 Posted 10/01/2026 at 09:35:20

Just to sign off before heading down to game

Darren Annika, John

My problem with your posts is your criticism of Moyes for the team he isn’t going to pick. As I said in my earliest post including Travers was mischievous to set a controversial tone.

Regarding the last few games, O Brian’s and Kwan’s brain farts and Jacks hissy fit cost us points not the manager.

However if Moyes doesn’t pick a team similar to what I outlined above without mitigating circumstances I’ll be first in AFTER the game to criticise him.

Jimmy Carr 94 Posted 10/01/2026 at 10:00:21

Darren and Neil, good posts. What's the point of predicting that we'll lose and then criticize our performance before the game has even started? Non-contributing malcontents you call them Darren? I've got a different word. Have your rant about the game after the game, not before it. Dickheads.

Moyes looked a bit fed up in the press conference, the guy who mentioned Patterson seemed to annoy him. I'm not sure he'll get the nod at right back.

We need a good performance after the last two games.

COYB.

Brian Harrison 95 Posted 10/01/2026 at 10:18:09

Seems mad that I will be leaving in half an hour to go to the game, we certainly sold our soul to Sky to allow them such ridiculous kick off times.

Mind the Sunderland supporters have got more to moan about than us I guess.

Well the team pretty much picks itself with Afcon, injuries and suspensions. I think if I was David Moyes I would say to young Dibling, when you get the ball in their half then rtun at them and take your man on every time. Even if you keep losing the ball as long as you come back if you lose it then you keep taking them on. He seems to play safety first football were the glimpses we saw when he was at Southampton he took people on and looked a real threat. I do think the lad is running out of options so what have we to lose if he takes his defender on at every opportunity.

Sometimes when teams are down to the bare bones of their squad they can produce a great one off performance thats what I am hoping for today.

Dave Abrahams 96 Posted 10/01/2026 at 10:22:47

Mike (87) Regarding Braiden Graham you say you have heard almost nothing about him- - does mean you have never seen him?

I think what Ian and myself are saying is in the present predicament Everton are in with strikers then playing Braiden from the bench might, stress might, help the team now.

As to his ability he played in the Irish league at 15 and came on as a sub in the Irish FA cup final which showed his potential, that potential has been obvious whenever I’ve seen him, he is a natural goal poacher with a football brain, slight and small but slick and smart especially where it counts — in the six yard area, I think he could be a good option if we are still needing a goal in today’s match.

Alan J Thompson 97 Posted 10/01/2026 at 10:45:38

OK, let's join the fun as I usually don't see much point trying to outguess the Manager.

Pickford (would he really want to miss playing this?),Patterson, Tarkowski, O'Brien, Mykolenko,Garner, Iroegbunam, Armstrong, Dibling (wide left)Beto, Barry.

Subs: Travers (or King), McNeil, Aznou, Welch, Campbell, Graham, Rohl, and whoever's left that isn't a goalie.

If he was fit I'd have also played Alcaraz but go all out in true Knockout tradition.

Raymond Fox 98 Posted 10/01/2026 at 11:09:36

He's a cracking little player, Dave, I've only seen him twice but I was impressed.

I see some of the young strikers we let go: Simms, Broadhead and Dobbin and another whose name I can't recall are knocking in plenty of goals in the Championship and lower down.

I watch the Football League Show every week there's some wonderful goals scored most weeks.

Sean O\'Hanlon 99 Posted 10/01/2026 at 13:07:04

Neil, #74. Yes, I do prefer Tarks-O'Brien partnership - but this is no great tactical decision by Moyes - he's been forced into it. It forms his defense against those who wanted the same partnership for the Brentford/Wloves games. Win or lose today, Moyes is in a win-win situation. If Everton win, "well done David" if they lose, then he has the weakened side to blame - in my view created by him after his last 2 shit-shows. I'm sorry Neil - but the guy is a phoney. He threw away the chance of going further in the League cup - no doubt wanted to concentrate on league form and on the Europe!(what a joke) I'm afraid today will be shit-throw 3, which is not bad for a week's work.

Neil Cremin 100 Posted 10/01/2026 at 15:10:43

Sean

Yawn.

John Collins 101 Posted 10/01/2026 at 15:13:41

Nobody can say Moyes didnt go for the win with his substitutions.

Brought 3 full backs on at 1-1

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