EVERTON V FULHAM

Everton v Fulham

Has a corner turned in Everton’s season? Although only 8 games in, Sean Dyche’s side seem to have had a season of two halves already. Opening the campaign with 4 defeats, despite some promising spells and now undefeated in 4 following last weekend’s victory on the road against Ipswich. The Toffees are beginning to find the resilience and toughness shown in large parts of last season, 2 clean sheets in a row, whilst managing a game in a professional manner seemed unthinkable following the collapses against Bournemouth and Villa. It’s safe to say there are promising signs as Everton head into this weekend’s home tie against Fulham.

If You Know Your History… Everton v Fulham Through the Years

The overall history is on the side of the Toffees in this fixture. The two sides have played each other a total of 70 times and Everton have been on the right side of the result on 31 occasions. Fulham have managed 24 wins and the points have been shared 15 times. However, in recent years Fulham have become somewhat of a bogey team for Everton. In fact, you have to go back to November 2020 for the last time Everton found a win against Fulham. 

Last season the sides met 3 times. The last outing was a bore 0-0 draw at Craven Cottage. Meanwhile at Goodison, Everton lost 1-0 at the league and a missed Amadou Onana penalty saw Everton exit the League Cup to this weekend’s visitors following a 1-1 draw. Everton’s last victory over Fulham at Goodison Park came back in 2018, in the form of a 3-0 league win. (Fun fact – that was the first Everton game attended by my then girlfriend, now wife)…

Team News

Sean Dyche confirmed that James Garner remains unavailable with a back injury. Brojo and Chermitti are both making progress but remain long term doubts. Tim Iroegbunam will be out for a number of weeks as he recovers from injury. Elsewhere Jarrad Branthwaite is in contention to return to the starting line-up following his omission from the matchday squad from last weekend.

 

Fulham will be without Joachim Andersen, who is suspended. Timothy Castange and Sasa Lukic remain out with long term injuries. Meanwhile Barreno and Morais face late fitness tests.

What the Managers Say

Dyche on 4 games unbeaten and a chance to go level on points with Fulham – “We certainly want to do that [back-to-back wins]. We’ve found ourselves in a better position. Not just with performances but with fitness and getting players fit. Marco and the group of players have got a style where they can progress. They can have flat days when it goes against them and we’ve got to impact them in that way. It’s helpful if there is more positivity around Everton.

 

Marco Silva on his time at Everton- “It was an honour for me to be Everton manager. It’s going to be my last game at Goodison. It’s a special place. 

Everton Key Player:

Dwight McNeil celebrating with Michael Keane during last weeks game against Ipswich

Dwight McNeil – At this point I feel that I am just alternating between McNeil and Ndiaye but it is so clear to see these two have been crucial to anything positive on the pitch for Everton this season. Dwight McNeil deserves a special mention. A lot of doubts were raised following his move from Burnley, a lot of criticism has come his way in terms of his performance levels and contributions. This season, I feel fans are beginning to see the real Dwight McNeil. Clearly thriving in a more fluid and flexible role behind the striker. Seeing him playing with more creative freedom and linking up wonderfully at times with Ndiaye has been refreshing. Fans will not always have a lot to cheer about when it comes to Dyche’s style of football but McNeil is showing flashes of brilliance on almost a weekly basis at this point. 4 goals and 3 assists in 10 appearances this season, the Englishman is one to watch again this weekend.

One to Watch for Fulham:

Raul Jiminez in action for Fulham last season.

Raul Jiminez– There were a few on the list of contenders to flag for Fulham. Marco Silva has assembled a decent squad during his time at Craven Cottage. Already this season they have the threats of Smith-Rowe and Nelson. Alongside the creativity of Andreas Pereria and former Everton player Alex Iwobi. They seem to have depth and threats across the park. Spearheading that attacking threat is Mexican international Raul Jiminez. Last season many critics had written the former Wolves striker off, as he struggled to find form recovering from a head injury. This season however, he looks to be back in his prime. 5 goals already in all competitions and a real handful in the box. Everton will have a lot of work on their hands if they are to gain a 3rd successive clean sheet and consecutive wins for the first time this season. 

Final Thoughts

There are finally some reasons to be positive after a tricky start to the season. Players are slowly but surely finding fitness and confidence. The squad seems more balanced and at times very creative. Arguably, most importantly, we are seeing an Everton side fighting for results in each game. The final season at Goodison Park is balanced on somewhat of a knife edge. An unwanted start and a surprising recovery. Everton will want to get as many points on the board as possible in the remainder of October and November, as a tricky December looms on the horizon. 

Prediction

1-1. The streak will continue. Everton will make it 5 games without defeat. I just feel that Fulham will have too much for us and we will have to settle for a point. If Everton apply the same levels of creativity and defensive resilience to this game as we’ve seen over the last 4 fixtures, we will be more than alright for a point. After 8 games defined by a poor start and a more recent relieving run, now proves to be a pivotal moment in the way our season will take shape.

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