Verdict: Iliman Ndiaye over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
Seeking a welcomed Premier League boost on Saturday afternoon, Everton will welcome Fulham to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton
As for the visitors, while Everton might have entered October’s international break with a last-gasp 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace, it is fair to say that David Moyes’ camp have struggled to find any kind of stability over recent times. Despite enjoying a bright start to proceedings, the Toffees have now mustered just a single victory from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. Suffering a late collapse away at Premier League returners Sunderland earlier in the week as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate, Everton could be looking over their shoulder at a potential relegation scrap. With it suggested this week that the former West Ham boss could find some mounting pressure on his shoulders, Saturday’s hosts face what is a real must-win showdown here.
Everton Team News
Still waiting to make a maiden Premier League appearance of the season, England international Jarrad Branthwaite remains on the sidelines with a long-term thigh issue. Likewise, former Rangers starlet Nathan Patterson is still dealing with an ankle injury and will play no part.
However, despite limping off at the Stadium of Light on Monday after picking up a second-half blow, playmaking talisman Iliman Ndiaye is expected to feature from the start. Making a cameo appearance of the bench earlier in the week, Dwight McNeil should get some more minutes under his belt.
Fulham
As for the visitors, claiming what was an essential Premier League boost last weekend as they stormed their way to a routine 3-0 romp at home against fellow strugglers Wolves, Fulham will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. However, despite opening up the 2025/26 campaign with their sights set on mounting a genuine European charge, it has been speculated that Marco Silva is growing frustrated in west London. Heading into October’s international break with consecutive 3-1 losses against Bournemouth and Aston Villa, the former Everton boss has seen his inconsistent squad lose four of their previous five Premier League showdowns. Travelling to Merseyside this weekend holding just a four-point buffer over slipping into the drop zone, it should also be highlighted that Fulham have lost their last four straight Premier League matchups away from Craven Cottage by an aggregate score of 10-3.
Fulham Team News
Dealing with another knee injury issue after returning from October’s international break, USA international Antonee Robinson remains on the sidelines. However, aside from the former Wigan defender, Silva’s camp have reported a clean bill of health ahead of Saturday’s showdown.
While ex-Wolves striker Raul Jimenez might have notched just a single Premier League strike so far this season, the 34-year-old should keep his spot leading 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 add Fulham last met back on May 10th, the Toffees stormed their way to a stellar 3-1 win in west London.
- However, Fulham are unbeaten in each of their other eight meetings between Everton across all competitions.
- Fulham have lost their previous four consecutive Premier League appearances away from Craven Cottage by an aggregate score of 10-3.
- The Cottagers have also registered just one-point on their travels so far this season.
- Everton have recorded just a single win from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions.
Conclusion
Two camps who open this weekend’s fixtures sat next to each other in the Premier League standings, we look set for what will be an important showdown from the blue half of Merseyside. While Everton might have enjoyed a bright start to proceedings, Saturday’s hosts have recorded just a sole win from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions and Moyes could have some increasing pressure on his shoulders.
Verdict: Iliman Ndiaye over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Luckster