Verdict: Iliman Ndiaye more than 0.5 shots on goal
Best odds: 4/5
Betting house: Luckster
Looking for a welcome boost in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, Everton host Fulham at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton
As for the visitors, while Everton might have entered the October international break with a last-gasp 2-1 win against Crystal Palace, it is fair to say that David Moyes’ side have struggled to find any form of stability of late. Despite enjoying a bright start, the Toffees have now managed just one win in any of their eight previous appearances in all competitions. After suffering a late collapse against Premier League returnee Sunderland earlier in the week when they ultimately had to settle for a 1-1 draw, Everton could be looking over their shoulder at a potential relegation fight. With it suggested this week that the former West Ham boss could find increasing pressure on his shoulders, Saturday’s hosts face what is a real must-win showdown here.
Everton team news
Still waiting to make his first Premier League appearance of the season, England international Jarrad Branthwaite remains on the sidelines with a long-term thigh problem. Additionally, former Rangers star Nathan Patterson is still dealing with an ankle injury and will not participate.
However, despite limping out of the Stadium of Light on Monday after picking up a knock in the second half, talismanic playmaker Iliman Ndiaye is expected to be there from the start. Making a cameo on the bench earlier in the week, Dwight McNeil should get a few more minutes under his belt.
Fulham
As for the visitors, who claimed what was an essential Premier League boost last weekend when they powered their way to a routine 3-0 rout at home against fellow Wolves, Fulham will be dreaming of repeating their performance here. However, despite opening the 2025/26 campaign with an eye on mounting a genuine European charge, there has been speculation that Marco Silva is growing increasingly frustrated in west London. Heading into the October international break with back-to-back 3-1 defeats against Bournemouth and Aston Villa, the former Everton boss has seen his inconsistent team lose four of their previous five Premier League meetings. Traveling to Merseyside this weekend just four points clear of falling into the relegation zone, it is also worth noting that Fulham have lost their last four consecutive Premier League clashes away from Craven Cottage by an aggregate score of 10-3.
Fulham team news
US international Antonee Robinson, who is dealing with another knee injury problem after returning from the October international break, remains on the sidelines. However, apart from the former Wigan defender, Silva’s side have reported good health ahead of Saturday’s clash.
While former Wolves striker Raul Jimenez may have scored just one goal in the Premier League so far this season, the 34-year-old should maintain his place at the front of the line. Now in his third campaign at Craven Cottage, former Everton star Alex Iwobi will start in the middle of the park.
Everton vs Fulham Key factors to consider
- When Everton last joined Fulham on May 10, the Toffees stormed their way to a stellar 3-1 victory in west London.
- However, Fulham are unbeaten in each of their other eight meetings with Everton in all competitions.
- Fulham have lost their previous four consecutive Premier League games away from Craven Cottage by an aggregate score of 10-3.
- The Cottagers have also picked up just one point on their travels so far this season.
- Everton have recorded just one win in any of their eight previous appearances in all competitions.
Conclusion
The two teams opening this weekend’s matches sit next to each other in the Premier League standings, and it looks like we’re set for what will be a major showdown from the blue half of Merseyside. While Everton may have enjoyed a bright start, Saturday’s hosts have only recorded a single win in any of their eight previous appearances in all competitions and Moyes could have increasing pressure on his shoulders.
Verdict: Iliman Ndiaye more than 0.5 shots on goal
Best odds: 4/5
Betting house: Luckster
