Everton vs Manchester United: Preview, Predicted Lineups and Where to Watch

Everton’s recent home form will be under scrutiny when they welcome a rejuvenated Manchester United side to Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday.

The headlines on Merseyside are likely to revolve around the fact that the Blues haven’t won at home since early December. They’ve drawn with Wolves and Leeds United and lost to Arsenal, Brentford and most recently, Bournemouth at their new waterfront stadium since the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

The Cherries came back from a goal down to secure a 2-1 win with Rayan and Amine Adli capitalising on a moment of confusion in the Blues backline to score within minutes of each other. Jake O’Brien was sent off during this turbulent period of the contest and will be unavailable for the clash on Monday.

David Moyes will undoubtedly remind his side to reproduce some of the grit and determination they showed at Old Trafford to pull off a splendid 1-0 victory. With Seamus Coleman hobbling off injured and Idrissa Gana Gueye sent off for hitting his own teammate inside the first quarter, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall powered the win against Ruben Amorim’s side with a spectacular strike.

Everton players are also expected to benefit from the substantial 13-day rest they’ve had since the last game against Bournemouth. The Toffees are currently 9th in the league table with 37 points and are separated from city rivals Liverpool in 6th by 5 points.

This is a very different-looking Manchester United side compared to the one Everton faced in late November. Michael Carrick is having a great “new manager bounce” effect on the Red Devils. They are unbeaten in their last five Premier League games under Carrick and have won four of those contests, including against the two leading sides – Arsenal and Manchester City.

Benjamin Sesko scored in the 6th minute of added time to protect United’s unbeaten streak under Carrick in the last game against West Ham. His goal secured a 1-1 draw after Tomas Soucek put the Hammers ahead in the second half.

Everton vs Manchester United - Team News and Predicted Starting XI

Everton Team News

Jake O’Brien will be the big absentee for Everton after seeing a straight red in the last clash against Bournemouth. Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson are likely to replace him here. Coleman hasn’t played for the Blues since getting injured in the first 10 minutes against United at Old Trafford in November.

Jack Grealish will miss the rest of the season and remains unavailable but the Blues have everyone else fit and available for selection.

Tyrique George is expected to retain his spot in the starting XI and Jarrad Branthwaite could replace Michael Keane at the heart of Everton’s defence.

Everton’s predicted starting lineup: Jordan Pickford (GK), Nathan Patterson, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitalii Mykolenko, James Garner, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Iliman Ndiaye, Thierno Barry, Tyrique George.

Everton vs Manchester United - Form Guide

Everton: W-D-D-W-L

Manchester United: W-W-W-W-D

When is Everton vs Manchester United?

Everton will host Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday, 23 February. Kick-off is scheduled at 8:00 pm GMT.

Where to Watch Everton vs Manchester United?

The Premier League contest between Everton and Manchester United will be available on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League for viewers in the UK. Fans can also watch the game live on Sky Go and on the Sky Sports app.

Reader Comments (82)

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Syd Mavris 1 Posted 21/02/2026 at 19:07:14

I expect the usual Moyes approach, aim for half-time holding on to 0-0, hope for the best in the second half.

If Man Utd go ahead, then it's the usual failed gallant fight back. Of course, Barry will be subbed for Beto sometime.

Edward Rogers 2 Posted 21/02/2026 at 21:42:08

Or vice-versa, Syd

Si Cooper 3 Posted 22/02/2026 at 02:12:31

3-game ban for O'Brien?

Is that the standard for ‘denying a clear goalscoring opportunity'?

Mike Gaynes 4 Posted 22/02/2026 at 05:09:20

O'Brien has a one-game suspension, not three.

Anjishnu, you should have checked the club website -- please correct your article.

Goodison News made the same error.

Paul Griffiths 5 Posted 22/02/2026 at 07:19:53

Remember Mr. Gaynes, you told us that you don't post on Mondays.

This sounds daft, I know, but in some ways I wish that this game was at Old Trafford. A bit of me thinks that the lads are more anxious at home rather than away with the 3,000.

Bill Fairfield 6 Posted 22/02/2026 at 07:47:15

I hope Moyes tries something else up front tomorrow. It's frustrating watching the continuing struggles of Beto and Barry.

Hopefully we can win at home for a change. COYB.

Steve Brown 7 Posted 22/02/2026 at 08:22:58

A team to beat Man Utd if we play with intensity.

PickfordPatterson Keane Branthwaite MykolenkoGarner Dewsbury-Hall George Armstrong NdiayeLegs Akimbo I or II.

It won't be the side selected, but you never know. If David Moyes wants to push for Europe, start tomorrow night.

John Collins 8 Posted 22/02/2026 at 09:34:56

The two wide men in our 3 will be more busy covering our full backs than looking to create.

His usual system will get exposed tomorrow.

Dave Lynch 9 Posted 22/02/2026 at 10:21:32

I'll leave my thoughts on this till after the game.

My lad, who lives away, usually takes my ticket for night games but he can't make it, so I'll have to go... with trepidation, I might add.

Brian Harrison 10 Posted 22/02/2026 at 10:29:56

I think the key for us is to keep Bruno Fernandes quiet, as he creates and scores for them. I would designate Garner to man-mark him because, basically, if you stop Fernandes, you stop a lot of their attacking options.

I really wish we had an alternative to Beto or Barry up top but we haven't. I would play Beto just because I think Barry is too easily bullied. I guess it's either Coleman or Patterson at full-back which will give us more attacking options.

Dave Lynch 11 Posted 22/02/2026 at 10:53:49

Brian... I think our attacking option will be hoof ball, no more, no less.

You're right about Fernandes, if we allow him to dictate the game. they'll batter us. I'd put one on him early -- he can lose his head if bullied.

Ged Simpson 12 Posted 22/02/2026 at 11:59:44

Agree, Dave L. Posted similar earlier on another Moyes post.

But maybe the efforts of the 1878 Group may have some positive impact on the imagination of team individuals or, conversely, create an angry blue fan base as they sit in a potentially great stadium that fans have tried to make even better. But we just hoof it to two tall but pretty crap "strikers".

So I understand the improvement in league place by Moyes... but we have battered that debate to the point where we have become one of those pub bores some accuse others of being on TW.

I pray on Monday night neither happens but please not the occasional loud song as we come close.

Not go one up, put Beto at right-back, and sit back to protect our lead and lose 1-2.

Just stop hoofing it from either Pickford or midfield to a hard-working lad out of his league or another still learning about the Premier League, please.

Why are current hacks so crap that they cannot make an honest headline?

"Everton: The hoof is the tip of a toe of an ungulate mammal."

Okay, I googled "hoof" but made the effort, just like our stats warriors.

But maybe that sharp passing through the middle to just outside their box created that beauty from a midfielder (any will do) in the 99th minute to finish off a comeback from 0-2 at half-time.

I think in my fantasy it was the half-hearted "Moyes Out" chants when we were 0-2 made him change the tactics... for self-interest. Must be broke (yeah, right) and knows no Man Utd coming now.

Fans always rule!

And now, back to reality after last stupid line.

Stay hopeful.

Tony Abrahams 14 Posted 22/02/2026 at 12:49:38

I also said on another thread that I thought the only time I haven't really seen Fernandes happy playing against Everton was in the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park last season.

He didn't want to know, the only energy he showed was when he was sulking and feeling sorry for himself... But then Everton rapidly tired and the next thing you know, the moaning little Portuguese bastard was suddenly full of himself and even had the energy to start helping the referee with his decisions.

For the first hour of that game, Everton played aggressive, front-foot football and never let United breathe, so hopefully we see something similar tomorrow night.

John Collins 15 Posted 22/02/2026 at 12:51:01

4-3-3 Christy.

With two wide men and a centre forward in front of the 3 you mention.

Love to see that but that system is far too attacking for the gaffer.

Jim Bennings 17 Posted 22/02/2026 at 16:06:45

I don't actually think we'll miss O'Brien and that's not a sleight on the player but more a case of at least it takes the temptation that Moyes will play a big gangly centre-back at right back at home yet again.

He simply has to select Patterson for me, to take Garner out of the engine room and leave the struggling of late Idrissa Gana Gueye in that side again a United team full of energy and athleticism would be suicidal.

Garner must remain in midfield tomorrow night with Dewsbury-Hall alongside him. Patterson at right back and let him get on with it now these next three games.

We need to win tomorrow, our home form is bordering on embarrassing, it was embarrassing for the send-off season at Goodison and it's becoming even more embarrassing at our maiden season at our new home.

In many ways, the Burnley game a week on Tuesday worries me even more than tomorrow night's, you can see the Burnley match having the typical Everton banana skin 1-1 draw stamped all over it.

Time to record a home win tomorrow for the first time since most people were just about putting up their Christmas trees.

Paul Clements 18 Posted 22/02/2026 at 16:35:24

Hope Patterson gets the nod, surely not Coleman, he won't be anywhere near fit enough.

Gueye needs dropping to the bench for two reasons: not bringing anything since Afcon, and it improves Garner's game no end.

Dewsbury-Hall @ 8, Alcaraz @10, Beto up top. Charly seemed to be the only one who had any idea about Beto's game.

Jim Bennings 19 Posted 22/02/2026 at 17:09:11

Forgot all about Seamus, feels like he's just a cameo player or coach nowadays.

There's no way he's got the legs in him to start and play more than half an hour of Premier League football, the games are just too rapid these days, it's all about athletes.

It's got to be Nathan Patterson and that's not a matter of how I rate him or don't rate him, it's a matter of him being the only option that we can play there without significantly weakening the team.

To remove James Garner from midfield in this match will significantly weaken the engine room.

Tom Bowers 20 Posted 22/02/2026 at 18:42:45

A lot of negative comments and understandably so.

We have been so inconsistent this season and mostly down to the ineptitude up front that is costing many points.

It is hard to see a win tomorrow unless the defence comes up really strong and we can grab a goal at the right time.

I would love to see the midfield dominate, and they need to keep Fernandes quiet to achieve that... but, with Gana there, it will be difficult.

John Collins 21 Posted 22/02/2026 at 19:04:49

The fluidity of Cunha, Diallo, Mbuemo against our rigid system is a worry tomorrow.

Especially Cunha.

Dave Abrahams 22 Posted 22/02/2026 at 19:33:57

Two of the best performances I have seen this season were Man Utd's performance at Anfield, where they looked a very good team and gave a team performance with every man fighting for the team. They went back on the attack after Liverpool had equalised and got the winner. They did even better in their local derby game, outplaying Man City and the score 2-0 flattered City.

So this Man Utd team can play but also have had a few very poor games. They have scraped a couple of victories and draws even with the new manager so they can be got at. We did beat them at Old Trafford with 10 men although they created plenty of chances in that game which we repelled.

Surely the pressure is off us now with the points we have garnered so I don't think it is asking too much for the team to be let off the ”let's hold on to what we've got” Moyes mentality. They can be a bit more aggressive and confident: go out and let United worry about us while we go for the win, get the 3 points, and improve the dismal performances and points tally at our new ground.

I never predict a score, that's just guesswork, but I'm hoping for a win and a teamwork performance to put a smile on all our fans' faces as they make their way home, especially those fans who face long journeys to get home.

Jimmy Salt 23 Posted 22/02/2026 at 20:33:04

It would be just like Everton to go out and win this...

I doubt it like with our gaffer more interested in fawning over Mr Ferguson.

Nicolas Piñon 24 Posted 22/02/2026 at 21:54:31

PickfordPatterson Tarkowski Branthwaite MykolenkoGarner Dewsbury-HallNdiaye Armstrong AlcarazGeorge

Play any other team and we'll get beaten.

Put players in who have an appetite for destruction, for god's sake... What the hell do we live for?

Sean Kearns 25 Posted 22/02/2026 at 22:48:24

Usual team but with Alcaraz up front please.

Si Cooper 26 Posted 22/02/2026 at 22:58:16

I think characterising it as stop Fernandes and you've stopped United is wishful thinking. With Amad and Dorgu they have potency from wide positions as well. Mbeumo and / or Cunha is the cherry on top.

Their weakness is (was) defensively. We have to out compete them all over the pitch and keep them on the back foot. Easier said than done with their current momentum, but setting up just to contain one player won't get us anywhere in my opinion.

Paul Griffiths 27 Posted 23/02/2026 at 03:01:25

Dorgu has been out with a hamstring for a few weeks now Si and no date for his return. Thank Sheedy!

Paul Griffiths 28 Posted 23/02/2026 at 03:10:54

Agree about Cunha, although I think that I'm right in saying that his goals have dried up recently. Sesko is starting to look the part.

I truly hope that Gana does not start. They have pace and strength in the middle and we need Garner on the snide slug.

I'm so concerned about Bozo and Coco up front that I'm wondering if George could start there, although as I tap I know that there is not a chance of that happening.

Ajay Gopal 29 Posted 23/02/2026 at 05:46:39

I like the idea of Alcaraz up top, with George and Ndiaye on the flanks.

No way is Moyes dropping Gana, so the midfield 3 will be Garner, Dewsbury-Hall and Gueye. And behind them, it surely has to be Mykolenko, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Patterson.

The bench options would include Barry, Beto, McNeil, Dibling, Rohl, Iroegbunam, Armstrong, Keane, etc.

I have a good feeling about this, fingers crossed. But I hate this mid-week late night matches — 1:30 am here! I will say a prayer and unlock my phone Tuesday morning to check the score.

Jim Bennings 30 Posted 23/02/2026 at 05:52:50

Alcaraz has become something of a forgotten man this season which is a shame because, for all the people defending Thierno Barry's young age, I believe Charly Alcaraz is younger than him again yet nobody is using that in his defence.

Moyes has underused this player in my opinion this season.

When he arrived here on loan, he was a more than good option going forward and helped us really carry a threat at teams along with Ndiaye and he showed a decent eye for goal too, wasn't shy of having shots and carrying the ball forward.

Maybe the arrival of Jack Grealish didn't really help Charly that much, who knows… but I do feel now with Jack injured, it is time we started to integrate him back in this side ASAP.

We are a team that has struggled for goals all season – it's not like we've had loads from Ndiaye, or Dibling has come in and looked a big threat; apart from Dewsbury-Hall,there is nobody else that is a likely goal scorer.

Time to start looking at the options and Charly for me now should be the go-to man ahead of the likes of McNeil.

Paul Griffiths 31 Posted 23/02/2026 at 06:07:06

I don't see McNeil as a starter now Jim.

But this is Moyes and McNeil is uninspiring and underwhelming, all good qualities in Lytham St Annes apparently.

Jim Bennings 32 Posted 23/02/2026 at 06:33:05

You never know with Moyes and Everton, however, Paul – we are the definition of insanity after all.

Paul Griffiths 33 Posted 23/02/2026 at 06:43:27

It can seem like that Jim. Sigh.

As Dusty and the Pet Shop lads said, 'What have [we] done to deserve this?'

Laurie Hartley 34 Posted 23/02/2026 at 07:46:56

We wouldn't dare to go 4-3-3 would we?

PickfordPatterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, MykolenkoGardner, Gueye, Dewsbury-HallGeorge, Alcaraz, Ndiaye

Probably not – we have too many safety-first options.

Jay Lewis 36 Posted 23/02/2026 at 07:50:54

I think we are all in agreement that Patterson should start, I think Seamus's playing days are finished tbh.

Up front is definitely a conundrum but, as Freddie said, the show must go on.

Paul Griffiths 37 Posted 23/02/2026 at 07:58:58

Shame on you Eric mate. Did you not know that Everton need to “win some big games” between now and the end of the season, according to the sage of Lytham St Annes?

Gordon Lee lived and died in Lytham didn't he. I remember Lee more fondly, but I was young then.

Jim Bennings 38 Posted 23/02/2026 at 08:06:00

It would be a fitting end for Seamus personally to retire after the World Cup this summer.

I fully expect it to happen, about the best ending to his career that he can have now.

Stu Gre 39 Posted 23/02/2026 at 08:15:30

I'd have a worse feeling about this game if O'Brien was available but, given our home form and the form of Man Utd, this could still be a long night.

Be nice for Davey to win though, not sure he's ever had a Premier League double over one of the "big boys"!

Darren Hind 40 Posted 23/02/2026 at 08:20:40

Dave A

Virtually every one of your post shows you to be proper old school. You show a healthy respect for the opposition, but you do it without ever raising a white flag. You don't try to complicate anything with foolish stats or reasons why things cant be done, that's because you understand the beauty and simplicity of the game.

People on here lose track of what being an Evertonian is all about. They come on here to simply attack the manager at every opportunity or defend him at any cost.

I get the impression that you understand the importance of a solid defence but, like most football lovers, want to see your team attack with purpose and aggression. It doesnt have to be one or the other.

I also get the impression that you don't give a fuck who is in the dugout, as long as they deliver on what are essentially very simple requests.

I know you are not a fan of Moyes, but in a divided house. I think you would soon cross to the other side if he was to change his attitude and look to start winning games from the off. I may be wrong, but I feel that is the way all "old school" see things.

Unlike many of today’s fan. You support Everton, mot the manager, and despite our trials and tribulations, NSNO clearly still means something to you. It's all right there in post 22.

Paul Griffiths 41 Posted 23/02/2026 at 08:23:09

Nice post Jim, 38.

Paul Hewitt 42 Posted 23/02/2026 at 09:23:05

Do we have the player's to win this game?, absolutely. Will the manger pick the players capable of winning this game?. Unlikely.

Laurie Hartley 43 Posted 23/02/2026 at 09:59:04

I think this one will be a battle of wits between Moyes and Carrick. Against United I think we should gung ho at them because hitting teams on the break is what they are good at.

I actually think we have players that can hurt them on the break in the front three I picked of Ndiaye, Alcaraz, and George. We know that at least two of them can put in a shift defensively.

In the 60’s the two Everton v United fixtures were one of the biggest if not the biggest games of the season. May those days return soon.

Nothing but the best is good enough - for Evertonians.

Laurie Hartley 44 Posted 23/02/2026 at 10:00:40

I don’t think we should go gung ho at them - and one day the edit button will work again.

Dave Abrahams 45 Posted 23/02/2026 at 10:10:32

Darren (40), I’ve seen some Everton teams come onto the field with an attitude I’ve never ever wanted an Everton team to show— beaten before the game had even started and faded as soon as we conceded a goal.

That didn’t happen only under Moyes but those 11.5 years with him in charge defined his attitude and that semi final v Liverpool when we came out for the second half determined to hold onto a one goal lead was summed up when I met another “ Everton forever Blue” who told me “ We could have written the fuckin’ script for how that game was going to start and finish” I just nodded my head in agreement but when I got back on the coach it was divided by fans supporting or going against Moyes.

Let’s hope we are all praising him tomorrow after tonight’s game!

Tony Abrahams 46 Posted 23/02/2026 at 10:22:55

Just simply play as a team. How stupid does it sound saying those words, but how often has anyone seen us playing with a collective attitude in our home games this season?

If you go, I go, if you drop, I drop. How basic, but it’s the basics that we have not been getting right, imo.

John Collins 47 Posted 23/02/2026 at 10:25:49

Dave,

He laid down in that semi. Liverpool were all over the place and there for the taking, he refused the offer. Second goal would have killed them.

He tells people "I never told them to sit in." I was in the company of a player who played in that game, he confirmed the players were told to sit in and defend the 1-0.

Brian Harrison 48 Posted 23/02/2026 at 11:11:15

I think maybe it's time that we complained long and hard about how the fixtures have gone from 3:00 pm on a Saturday to anytime and day other than Saturday at 3:00 pm.

How can we encourage youngsters into the ground when we kick off at 8:00 pm, so the kids aren't getting home till after 11:00pm with school the next day. I don't know how true it is but I read yesterday that Villa have hardly played at home on a Saturday at 3:00 pm for nearly a year.

It’s time the match going fans are the main priority – not those watching on Sky. Mind you, in a game where VAR gets involved, the Sky viewer sees everything whereas matchgoing fans are shown nothing, just a notice to say what VAR is considering.

Stop treating the lifeblood of the game like they don't matter.

Frank Fearns 49 Posted 23/02/2026 at 11:11:54

Tony 46. How right you are.

I've always advocated the KISS approach in all walks of life —- Keep- It-Simple-Stupid!!

Paul Hewitt 50 Posted 23/02/2026 at 11:34:01

Brian @48.

The thing with English supporters is they really don't protest.

Look at Germany. They had Monday night football but the supporters simply didn't turn up to games. There were scrapped.

It will be a full house tonight, so guess what: nothing will change.

Raymond Fox 51 Posted 23/02/2026 at 11:59:10

The betting give and take is- 10/11 Man Utd. 11/4 Everton. 5/2 a Draw.

Home advantage doesn't seem to apply to us! which is a bummer. We now have 50,000 in the ground instead of 40,000, admittedly not all supporting us but nevertheless it's a poor do.

It looks a game where anything could happen to me. If they turn up in form it will be difficult for us. On the other hand, we have more attacking options now than at any time this season, so it's hard to call.

Hopefully a win for us but, if I was to bet, I think 5/2 a draw is the one.

John Pickles 52 Posted 23/02/2026 at 12:09:58

Brian #48,

I couldn't agree more, but all the power is with Sky Sport et al. The Premier League and the FA are in their pockets and will no longer listen to matchgoing supporters.

I have never given Sky Sport or any of the others a penny, if I wanted to watch a match without attending, I'd only do it free or illegally.

Be thankful, the main TV revenue isn't Chinese yet or it'll be 3 am kick-offs.

John Collins 53 Posted 23/02/2026 at 12:12:04

Raymond,

I'm playing the card market tonight.

Wait for team news first, my early thoughts are Patterson at 3/1.

Paul Hewitt 55 Posted 23/02/2026 at 12:18:44

John @52.

That's simply not true. Fans have the power for change. But simply don't do anything about it.

Kevin Naylor 56 Posted 23/02/2026 at 13:00:01

3/1 to win at Home would be tempting at Goodison but we haven't found our Mojo here yet.

Christy Ring 57 Posted 23/02/2026 at 13:24:46

I believe the midfield will decide tonight's game. If we can keep Fernandes quiet, he dictates everything and they're a lot stronger with Mainoo beside Casemiro who's had a new lease of life.

For that reason, I'd play Garner at 6 and Dewsbury-Hall at 8. They were so effective in those positions when Gueye was at Afcon, and Armstrong can do a job at 10.

But I think Moyes will will be more conservative and start Gana. We need to make Hill Dickinson Stadium our new fortress, and with all the new banners and flags on display tonight, hopefully this is the start!

Rob Hooton 58 Posted 23/02/2026 at 13:45:54

We'd all love to start winning at home again tonight, I can't blame the doomsayers given Man Utd's recent form and our terrible home form.

Coleman was finished at this level at least 2 years ago, so Patterson should start for me.

I won't try to guess a lineup, just want to see fire in their bellies and the lads try to play some decent quality football and attempt to score goals. We'll need to defend well, we're never going to be a gung-ho attacking team under Moyes so will have to hope for the rub of the green.

As ever, my heart tells me we're going to win this and my head is telling me a draw will be a decent result.

Rob Hooton 59 Posted 23/02/2026 at 13:48:25

As an aside, I hate it when people using us having a rest period as a potential advantage, as in such scenarios we always play like the lads have been raving in Ibiza for 2 weeks and then had a roast dinner half-an-hour before kick/off.

Please prove me wrong, Blues.

Tony Abrahams 60 Posted 23/02/2026 at 13:55:55

John @53, there's a team picked and already doing the rounds, but we obviously won't find out until later if it's actually true.

Pickford - Garner - Keane - Tarkowski - Branthwaite - Gueye - Iroegbunam - Ndiaye - Dewsbury-Hall - Armstrong - Barry.

It might be a load of shite but it's definitely the team, according to the person who showed me! We will see.

Mark Ryan 61 Posted 23/02/2026 at 13:56:04

Ha ha, Rob spot on.

Just said to my mate that the biggest problem for us tonight is that we've had a 2-week break and, for whatever reason, we always seem to play like a team in pre-season when we have a break — rather than one that should be champing at the bit.

I hope they make me eat my words and come out of the blocks like thoroughbreds tonight. Fingers crossed…

John Collins 62 Posted 23/02/2026 at 14:00:40

Hope not, Tony.

I think we are up against it with the movement and fluidity of Man Utd.

Taking Garner out of that shield is a big mistake, I reckon.

Allan Board 63 Posted 23/02/2026 at 14:02:52

I absolutely have no clue what will happen tonight. All I would say is:- someone is due a tanking in our new stadium sooner or later!

Talking of the stadium, I was up yesterday with family to do the tour — very impressive. Tour guides were good fun too.

I just kept looking round thinking “This place is so un Everton though!" I loved Goodison, but time to move on.

Love the fact the away changing room is shite! About time Everton started "playing the game"! I'll be up soon to taste the atmosphere if I can get tickets. UTFT!

Paul Hewitt 64 Posted 23/02/2026 at 14:13:09

Tony #60.

If that's the team then I won't be watching. We will get battered…

Tony Hughes 65 Posted 23/02/2026 at 14:13:56

I'd like to see us fly out of the blocks tonight and get at them early.

None of the usual comatose starts we've been suffering at home this season..

Tony Abrahams 66 Posted 23/02/2026 at 14:42:23

I don't know if that is the team but I've lost count of the times people have seen the team and said exactly that Paul, only to see Everton win mate.

Darren Hind 67 Posted 23/02/2026 at 14:49:46

Dave + John

I drew the short straw that day. I ended up driving the mini-bus to Wembley. Everyone else was on the ale by the time we got off the M62 so I put TalkSport on to drown out the shite - Oh the irony.

A fella we knew from Silvester S treet (Tony Evans) who had made his way up to being Chief Sports Editor with The Times was a guest. He was a card-carrying Kopite.

The Red Shite were no great shakes at the time, but Evans wound me up no end by arrogantly insisting they would win.

When asked why he could be so certain, he replied by saying that he knew the Liverpool players personally and he knew that, at some stage of the game, they would remember who they are and that Davey Moyes's Everton team would remember who they are.

Only one manager had had it in him to win this game. My blood ran cold. I was always going to shout my head off supporting the boys in blue, but deep down inside, I knew exactly what the prick meant.

Martin Berry 68 Posted 23/02/2026 at 14:50:02

Man Utd have spent mega money on the attack so it’s not going to be easy to stop them making chances.

As other posters have rightly said, Fernandes needs to be kept quiet as thats 50% of their chances diminished if we can do so.

I am sure the manager has seen how effective West Ham were against them. I expect Gueye to be a definite starter due to his ground coverage (hopefully a recharged player after the break) alongside Garner.

The good thing with Man Utd is that there idcnothing special at the back and they can concede so I think we will have chances.

Tom Bowers 69 Posted 23/02/2026 at 14:55:45

So many times Everton have let the fans down after seemingly being ready to move up the table after a good win or two.

Now, after two weeks rest and an almost full squad available, they have a chance again to rebound after a disappointing home loss.

It all comes down to scoring first and defending midfield adequately against an improved Man Utd side.

They should have beaten Bournemouth and a number of other sides at Hill Dickinson Stadium but that woeful lack of scoring keeps costing points.

Now and again Dewsbury-Hall and Ndiaye have saved our bacon but, until the Beto or Barry option is resolved, they will not become a real threat as a team.

Christy Ring 70 Posted 23/02/2026 at 15:10:48

Tony #60,

We can only speculate but, if he plays our best midfielder and best centre-back, both with plenty of pace, at full-back, my faith in Moyes would certainly diminish.

Minik Hansen 71 Posted 23/02/2026 at 15:20:13

Bill #6,

Also frustrating to see Ndiaye struggling to create something after they've been back from the Afcon Champions party.

Hopefully this evening he looks happy again.

Minik Hansen 72 Posted 23/02/2026 at 15:35:19

Tony #14 well remembered, it's in my memory too.

So, if Garner is to press that player, he has to do it in well over 90 minutes.

Andrew Ellams 73 Posted 23/02/2026 at 15:36:18

Last season, Beto had quite a few chances laid on by running in behind onto through balls from Jarrad Branthwaite.

Maybe it's time to give that another go as Barry was just comical last time out.

Craig Walker 74 Posted 23/02/2026 at 15:39:26

This is the kind of game that the Goodison faithful could get up for (thinking about the memorable performances by Big Dunc and Fellaini in particular) so it'll be interesting to see if there is any atmosphere at the Dock.

At the moment, the players are waiting for the fans to lift them but the fans are turned off by the sideways and backwards passing and the passive approach play. If we're to get something tonight, then we need Ndiaye, Garner and Dewsbury-Hall to be at their best and whoever plays up front not be be in 'bollard mode'.

I actually thought we looked more of a threat against Bournemouth when we went down to 10 men and at least had a go. I'm not Patterson's biggest fan but surely he deserves a chance ahead of Seamus?

My heart is in my mouth with Tarkowski every game these days. Getting fed up of seeing him smiling because he's either just done something daft or got away with something.

Tony Hughes 75 Posted 23/02/2026 at 15:55:41

With the mention of Big Dunc and Fellaini, we don't have that talismanic type of player anymore, someone who could rally the fans behind the team via actions or some physicals on the pitch.

Grealish has character and charisma but the rest of them are mainly devoid of personality or devilment.

John Collins 76 Posted 23/02/2026 at 15:57:10

Never knew he was from Scottie, Darren. Has he kept the accent?

Frustrating day, that semi. They were deffo there for the taking, all over the place.

Remember Agger trying to control the ball and just walked the ball out of play right in front of where we were sitting, they were not at the races that day.

We didn't take our chance.

John Collins 77 Posted 23/02/2026 at 16:00:07

Craig,

Good post. It's on the players to get the crowd going. Not the other way around.

It's dead easy to get them going: press as a group, work your socks off, win a 50-50 early doors, and the crowd turn into what we want and need.

Sean O\'Hanlon 78 Posted 23/02/2026 at 16:05:05

What is the big phoney David Moyes gonna do tonight? No Jake O'Brien, so he may be forced to use a real right back - or wait a minute! He can call on Michael Keane. Perfect!

Midfield - God help us!

Up front: well, I think he should give Barry and Beto another chance -- to add to their massive goal tally!

"Charly, you still need more splinters in your arse, so you're staying on the bench!"

For the journeyman Moyes, it's a big chance to get more recognition with this home fixture: "The SSSS: Super Six Shit Show!"

Six home defeats... Good luck, Moyesy.

Rob Hooton 79 Posted 23/02/2026 at 16:14:38

Tony, if that's the team then I'll certainly grumble, though only to myself!

I'll still hope it works, but it looks a bit stupid on paper.

Hope there's a decent atmosphere under the lights tonight and that it's the players, and not crap officiating, that's behind it.

Dave Abrahams 80 Posted 23/02/2026 at 18:35:23

That team that Tony suggests will play tonight has been doing the rounds since early this morning.

My grandson said he got it off a friend around 10:30 this morning, so I'm hoping it's a hookey one sent out that early.

Darren Hind 81 Posted 23/02/2026 at 18:50:36

Yes John he still has a broad scouse accent. Gets a lot of time on radio, particularly Talk Shite, but he is really difficult to listen to.

Card carrying kopite oozing the entitlement and arrogance that seems to come with the title these days

John Collins 82 Posted 23/02/2026 at 18:56:17

At least he's kept the accent Darren.

One blue, turned red,from about a mile up the road from you sounds like Quentin Crisp commentating on the games.

Sean O\'Hanlon 83 Posted 23/02/2026 at 20:12:35

What is the big Phoney David Moyes gonna do tonight? No Jake O'B, so he may be forced to use a real right back - or wait a minute! He can call on Michael Keane. Perfect!

Midfield - God help us!

Up front, well I think he should give Barry and Beto another chance - to add to their massive goal tally!

"Charly, you still need more splinters in your arse, so you're staying on the bench!,"

For the journeyman Moyes it's a big chance to get more recognition with this home fixture: "The SSSS: Super Six Shit Show!"

Six home defeats..

Good luck Moyesy.

Sean O\'Hanlon 84 Posted 23/02/2026 at 22:02:42

Well done Moyes. Consistent as always.

The only Europe you'll be seeing is a ferry crossing to France.

.