Season › 2024-25 › News Everton vs Leicester City Lyndon Lloyd 31/01/2025 74comments | Jump to last David Moyes spoke to the media at Finch Farm today ahead of tomorrow's clash with fellow strugglers Leicester City. He spoke of the injuries that have afflicted two of his key players, explaining that Orel Mangala will return to France to undergo surgery but that Dominic Calvert-Lewin's injury is not as bad as first feared and the Club are hopeful he will play again this season. Youssef Chermiti is still around four weeks away according to the manager. Moyes added that Everton's need for players ahead of the transfer deadline has heightened but that the market is challenging given the Blues' PSR concerns. He said he is hopeful of adding at least one name before the window closes but he sounded less confident than a week ago. “The injuries show we have even more reason to think that we have to bring in some players," he said. "We know, so it’s not that we don’t do that. “It’s just so difficult to get players in that we want.” Reader Comments (74) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer () Rob Hooton 1 Posted 31/01/2025 at 15:08:04 I guess well at least see how abeto does with an extended run in the team, put him down for a hat trick tomorrow!Will be very difficult to bring in anyone that can bring something to the squad, given ongoing financial constraints, wouldnt be surprised if we dont sign anybody.Looking forward to the match tomorrow, strange feeling… Bobby Mallon 2 Posted 31/01/2025 at 15:10:17 We should sign someone ffs we need a striker now not at the end of the season Mike Hayes 3 Posted 31/01/2025 at 15:10:28 Now will Mangalas wage have to be paid up and if so given PSR will we be able to bring anyone in - Moyes wasnt 100% hopeful we would but said we need to bring some players in. Good news on DCL not being as bad as first thought. As we only have Beto fit hes got to start a full game and see how he can do. Looking forward to 3 points but probably as nervous as everyone given the injuries to two decent players! Steve Cotton 4 Posted 31/01/2025 at 15:17:28 Time for the sherrif to prove his worth Matthew Salem 5 Posted 31/01/2025 at 15:23:12 We could always cancel Maupays loan and bring him back for the rest of the season… James O'Connell 6 Posted 31/01/2025 at 15:30:18 Cenk Tosun on a 9 year rush keeper super contract Christopher Timmins 7 Posted 31/01/2025 at 16:00:50 Not looking go as regards players coming in. So be it, we just have to make the best of what we have.A 6 pointer tomorrow, lose and the gap between them and us is 3, win and we move 9 clear and they have only 14 games to catch us up.A nervy afternoon ahead. Rob Dolby 8 Posted 31/01/2025 at 16:09:00 The squad is on the bones of its arse and we are still hamstrung with PSR. Chelsea break the world record for a lady player and we looking over our shoulder at psr.The game isn't straight.Be interesting to see who Moyes starts with tomorrow.Beto for DCL and Garner for Mangala is the obvious choice.Just got to keep Vardy quiet.Coyb. Rick Tarleton 9 Posted 31/01/2025 at 16:11:22 A vital game. Win and that wonderful gap stays or even augments. Living in the Leicester area, their supporters are confident after their surprising win at Spurs.COYB. Danny O'Neill 10 Posted 31/01/2025 at 16:15:51 Christopher, they are all nervy, with me and others watching the slowest ticking clocks you can imagine.We've won the last two, when points were the priority, but my word the last half hour against Tottenham and the second half against Brighton put back years on me.I think I need a pair of those blinkers they put on race horses or maybe even a blindfold to stop me looking at the clock!!We can go in confident tomorrow and I don't care who is playing. We have what we have and they are playing in Royal Blue. Mal van Schaick 11 Posted 31/01/2025 at 16:29:28 Those on the periphery are going to have to step up and prove their worth, which wont be a bad thing in our current situation. If we get a win against Leicester and pick up points in other games in the near future, that may take the pressure off signings until summer where our options on targets may become clearer. Jim Bennings 12 Posted 31/01/2025 at 16:53:48 Everton must be the only club on earth where two separate Mangala's have had seasons finished by injury in January. Mihir Ambardekar 13 Posted 31/01/2025 at 16:54:01 Tomorrows game is extremely critical & we should win this by hook or by crook. Unfortunate injuries have further decimated an already limited squad. Market is difficult but we need to ensure we are signing players. Terminating loans should be the priority to get in replacements. Don't know why Chelsea are playing hardball. Broja was already injured when he signed for us. Cant we replace his loan with Dewsbury Hall or Chukwuemeka? Chelsea signing army of players and spending billions and we are looking over our shoulders for PSR Brian Williams 14 Posted 31/01/2025 at 17:00:54 Incomiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing! Jay Harris 15 Posted 31/01/2025 at 18:20:13 I think we need to keep it tight tomorrow and not let them hit us on the break (or turnover as my American friends might say).Kicking Vardy up in the air sorry keeping Vardy quiet has to be a priority.Hope Myko is up for this one as the back 4 will be tested.Team for me PicksObrien Tarks Jarrad Myko Garner GanaLindstrom Doucs (Armstrong or Ironman at 60 mins) Ndiaye Beto Christy Ring 16 Posted 31/01/2025 at 19:01:30 Hopefully Garner can make the difference in midfield, with Mangala gone for the season, but would prefer Tim or Armstrong for Doucoure. Kevin Edward 17 Posted 31/01/2025 at 19:19:01 Fraught with danger this one.I badly want us to win, and we can. But a point just keeps the scoreboard ticking over and Moyes can re-group after the window closes.No doubt some reinforcements (or maybe just one) are on the way.Happy to see Moyes take on Leicester, theyre not that good and we can defend. Imagine if Dyche was still here? Brrrrrrrr!2:1 to the Toffees! Paul Ferry 18 Posted 31/01/2025 at 19:28:23 Lyndon, I remember when you once predicted line ups for us. Are you chickening out?Hewey has already spoken. There is now no need for any more posts. PH has gone for 3-0 and 3-0 it will be, no matter what anyone else says. With a nod to annoying posters who cannot spell out full names: Picks, Jake OB, Tarks, Branners, Myko, Garns, Gans, Lindy, Ironman (WTF?), Ndi, Bets3-0 COYB Pete Day 19 Posted 31/01/2025 at 19:34:41 https://youtu.be/ntw4ryMldpk?si=WcR6tcxl4BAMB8p7A good insight into the tactical tweeks that have taken place since Moyes came in. Raymond Fox 20 Posted 31/01/2025 at 20:05:59 The loss of Calvert-Lewin and Mangala has dented my confidence somewhat.The betting is 8/11 Everton 10/3 Leicester 15/8 a Draw, thats Betfair.I don't think we are so strong a favourite with the injuries we have but thats a neutral view, I hope they are right. Kunal Desai 21 Posted 31/01/2025 at 21:13:03 I think it's a chicken and egg situation with regards to bringing in players this window. We probably need to weigh up at looking to spend whatever funds we have within the constraints of PSR but also using those funds more prudently in the summer when better players will become available. A win tomorrow and the likelihood is that we'll only need another 7 or 8 points for the remainder of the season to stay up. So the question is do we look to panic buy and spend a little over the odds in this window who typically would be third of fourth choice in a summer transfer window. One or two loan options would be the prefreble here. Brendan McLaughlin 22 Posted 31/01/2025 at 22:22:48 Kunal #21"One or two loan options would be the prefreble here."Take my advice... stick to this thread. Don't wander... ffs! Paul Ferry 23 Posted 31/01/2025 at 23:31:13 Make sure you teach the grandkid to spell Brendan. Paul Ferry 24 Posted 31/01/2025 at 23:35:01 Twenty-three posts in eight-and-a-half hours! Clearly this match has caught the imagination and its importance is hard to exaggerate. Are we all getting a tad blase after two wins on the trot? Neil Tyrrell 25 Posted 01/02/2025 at 00:14:08 We'll batter these like cod fillets, I'm going 5-0 in the predictor pool based on the fact we beat Wolves 4-0 and Leicester are even more shite!Beto brace plus one from Ndiaye and a couple of unusual suspects pitching in, maybe Lindstrom and a defender. Sorry my phone doesn't do umlauts or other fancy vowel movements, it's very frustrating for a Motorhead and Bue Oyster Cult fan. Derek Knox 26 Posted 01/02/2025 at 00:39:25 Paul F, yes very quiet for a pre-match. Seems there are distractions with possible signings. Hoping as always for a win tomorrow, but under no illusions it is a given. Especially with Mangala and DCL out of the equation. Laurie Hartley 27 Posted 01/02/2025 at 00:47:19 Paul # 24 - I think its a question of bated breath because everyone of us know the importance of this game. Three points and we can relax a little, one point not the end of the world but the sense of unease will remain, no points and we are back to looking over our shoulder. This is a huge game. Ian Campbell 28 Posted 01/02/2025 at 01:46:46 Kev @ 17, we are goosed mate. Hewey has predicted a comfortable stroll for us, we'll get tonked !! Dennis Ng 29 Posted 01/02/2025 at 02:19:42 Ian @ 28, I don't recall the last time we were so hyped for a big win. Yes, we are screwed. Ian Campbell 30 Posted 01/02/2025 at 02:27:04 Dennis @ 29 you watch Vardy will get his first hat-trick for beards 😂 Laurie Hartley 31 Posted 01/02/2025 at 02:34:30 I listened to Moyes pre match press conference. When asked about using Keane as a striker he did not even mention Beto. I thought that was most unusual. Bob Parrington 32 Posted 01/02/2025 at 06:13:28 Hard fought win but 3 - 1 to us. C'mon Moisey, c'mon, c,mon!!! Paul Birmingham 33 Posted 01/02/2025 at 06:42:58 2-1 and a massive win for Everton and building a strong bridge over the drop zone.UTFTs! James Brown 34 Posted 01/02/2025 at 06:53:10 Oh for god's sake, why are we still playing Doucoure ? What happened to Tim Iroegbunam ? Doucoure passing and control of the ball will make everyone around him give up attacking.Alcaraz and Tim is a very good combination. Danny Baily 35 Posted 01/02/2025 at 07:22:49 This one is as must win as they get. It has to be a win today. Colin Glassar 36 Posted 01/02/2025 at 07:42:03 A must win, banana skin game this. Dont take Leicester lightly. Paul Hewitt 37 Posted 01/02/2025 at 08:21:50 Before last weekend Leicester had lost 7 games in a row, they beat a very rubbish Spurs side last weekend. Spurs should really have had the game won by half time, but there high line defending in the second half is what cost them. Moyes will have us nice and compact, we won't be open like Spurs. 3-0, easy win. Colin Crooks 38 Posted 01/02/2025 at 08:29:42 My heart sank when I saw you prediction PH...Given your logic defying record or being wrong. Why do it ? Was there really any need ?Colin 36Quite right. Leicester had men back last week and from all reports they thoroughly deserved that win at Spurs. A huge boost for them. We need to be at our best today. This crew are definitely NOT to be taken lightly. Ted Roberts 39 Posted 01/02/2025 at 09:31:40 As can be expected,the unfortunate injuries we sustained last week have dented our brittle confidence yet again,but I would like to think that the players we have at our disposal, have gained in their confidence levels and resolve to provide the result thats needed and can pull it off.KITAP1 may have to be our motto for a few more games yet.COYB Kevin Edward 40 Posted 01/02/2025 at 09:32:15 Neil # 25.Thanks for the nod to BOC!Im giving Tyranny and Mutation a spin just before kick off.Idea for BMD, bring the team on to Godzilla. We just need to keep our heads today, if we go behind then dont panic, if we get ahead then keep it tight but keep the ball. This is new improved EFC right? (hides behind sofa). COYBs Mike Corcoran 41 Posted 01/02/2025 at 09:32:26 That Buenonotte is a class player, would love him playing for us, hopefully he doesnt get on the pitch today. I dont think Leicester are as bad as their position suggests. Tough game ahead. Bill Fairfield 42 Posted 01/02/2025 at 09:41:30 Hopefully we can win today and widen the gap to the teams at the bottom. We just cant afford anymore injuries. Particularly as we are stuggling in the transfer window. COYB. Steve Shave 43 Posted 01/02/2025 at 10:16:53 A must win, surely we smell blood but its for sure a potential banana skin. Bob Parrington 44 Posted 01/02/2025 at 10:23:42 Steve, Going on our usual record we will lose this game. BUT with Davey M in charge, I feel we will win it. Although our squad is short on numbers, I think we have enough class to win this and I go for a 3 - 1 win for us. Andy Crooks 45 Posted 01/02/2025 at 10:24:07 Paul Hewitt, will, like the wonderful Reginald Molehusband, some day get it right. Let it be today, Paul! Bob Parrington 47 Posted 01/02/2025 at 10:26:56 Andy... I'd forgotten all about Reginald M. That's hilarious. Thanks! Derek Taylor 48 Posted 01/02/2025 at 10:42:51 I have a feeling that Davey did such a self-selling job on TFG that they are using PSR as an excuse for a low spend Window. Why waste money on iffy loans and injured no marks when DM has guaranteed safety ? Steve Wissett 49 Posted 01/02/2025 at 10:58:12 Leaving Goodison song to the tune of the leaving of Liverpool. Share on social media to see if we can get it going. So fare-thee-well, my one true loveWhen we all leave, united we will be.WE WILL BEIt's not the leaving of Goodison that grieves meBut the memories, when I think of thee Brian Harrison 50 Posted 01/02/2025 at 11:39:01 Losing Mangala and DCL in the same game was bad enough but the length both are going to be out the game is a real kick in the teeth. Managala and Gana have struck up a great partnership in midfield and as Moyes said it looked like DCL was looking more like his old self. But injuries are part and parcel of the game and lets hope the guys stepping in for our injured players can step up to the plate. John Keating 51 Posted 01/02/2025 at 11:41:14 To be honest Im really not interested in how we play today, just as long as we get 3, crucial, points. Sam Hoare 52 Posted 01/02/2025 at 11:42:40 Huge match today with the chance to go above Spurs and establish a healthy 9 point buffer to relegation but Leicester have plenty of good players who would be in and about our team and will fancy their chances.Mangala especially will be a big miss and Garner presumably wont have a full 90 minutes in him.Beto will be frustrating, he will have some bad touches and quite possibly some odd moments but I also wouldnt be surprised if he scored. He also wont last 90 minutes so will be interesting to see what happens then. Maybe Sherif will get on the pitch. Martin Mason 53 Posted 01/02/2025 at 12:26:08 Losing Mangala may not weaken us and often these things can be a blessing in disguise. We lose a defensive mid but gain a better footballer if Garner is fit. OK we lose DCL but he had been ineffective in terms of goals so we may well be just as ineffective that's all. I believe that we will win because we have momentum and they are a poor side. A loss will be a very serious setback for everybody. Mark Murphy 55 Posted 01/02/2025 at 12:38:21 A win today would be massive! 3 on the trot would calm a lot of nerves before next weeks cup game.As Ive said many times I dont do predictions as Murphys law was named after me and Ill be watching from behind the sofa but COME ON YOU BLUES!!Focus focus and focus!! Kevin Molloy 56 Posted 01/02/2025 at 12:45:11 given that we are at this point highly likely to be safe from relegation it's much more beneficial for Garner to be playing rather than Mangala. He's our player, we find out if he's good enough, and he gets the chance to develop. Loans just develop players for other teams. Useful when you're out of options but. Jimmy Carr 57 Posted 01/02/2025 at 12:52:09 Moyes to spring a surprise line-up? Harrison in on the left where he's allegedly more suited, Ndiaye moved central to try and play to Beto's strengths moving forward on the deck, Garner in for Mangala, Doucs on the bench. It won't happen but you never know. Moyes looked worried in the press conference yesterday, in fact he sounded and appeared borderline negative. Dyche would have got a hammering on here for it. You wouldn't have thought we'd just won two on the bounce. Lighten up Davey, we can have Leicester on toast. For me the loss of Mangala is a big blow though and I'm not sure whether Garner is as effective sitting in front of the back four snuffing out danger. He's a different bag of chips and there may have to be some further midfield tweaks to cover the Belgian's absence. Another option would be to move Doucoure back there. At least he won't mess up too many of our attacks. COYB!! Jack Convery 58 Posted 01/02/2025 at 12:57:03 Rashford going to Villa.Cue Marcus to go on a goal spree and embarrass Amorin. Si Cooper 59 Posted 01/02/2025 at 13:00:40 Martin (53) thats literally all ‘ifs, buts and maybes!Not sure you can label Mangala as simply a defensive midfielder and Jimmy Garner still has a lot to prove for me before you can eulogise about him (with robustness / resistance to injury just being the first of a series of question marks).We live in hope however. I think all our ‘momentum bled away with the injuries and the necessarily restricted approach during the second half of the last game.This is where DM needs to display all the ‘craft he has developed, stoking up the players still ‘standing for another Spartan effort.Another 3 points today would be huge. Hopefully the faithful will also be electrified and lending their strength.COYB!!! John Raftery 60 Posted 01/02/2025 at 13:08:54 First and foremost dont lose. Win if you can. Three points would be great. Leicester probably feel the same. Alan McGuffog 61 Posted 01/02/2025 at 13:14:03 I wonder whether that nark Hurlezer would like some advice on parking the bus ? As his team concedes a third. Ho.ho ho Paul Kossoff 62 Posted 01/02/2025 at 13:16:32 Team news? I had to look to see if it was Saturday and we were playing. This post is from Friday isn't it? Off to the BBC to see what's what. Paul Kossoff 63 Posted 01/02/2025 at 13:25:33 Everton offer made for Chukwueze amid last-gasp £11.7m transfer newsAlthough Chukwuezes form in Serie A has left a lot to be desired, his profile is precisely what David Moyes should be targeting at Everton.The 25-year-old notched 37 goals and 31 assists across 207 appearances for Villarreal, thus earning him a big-money move to AC Milan.Everton ace Beto is under consideration at Como to replace Andrea Belotti, according to Calciomercato.com.The Italian outlet reported via their website on 1 February that Cesc Fabgregas side are mulling over signing a striker amid Benficas interest in Belotti. Michael Kenrick 64 Posted 01/02/2025 at 13:45:38 Team News:Everton:PickfordMykolenkoBranthwaiteTarkowskiO'BrienNdiayeGueyeDoucoureGarnerLindstromBetoSubs: Virginia, Begovic, N Patterson, Keane, Harrison, Young, Iroegbunam, Armstrong, Sherif. Kevin Molloy 65 Posted 01/02/2025 at 14:00:47 good first eleven, terrifyingly shit bench. Mihir Ambardekar 66 Posted 01/02/2025 at 14:01:52 No more than a win please and we can have great Sunday. Mike Corcoran 67 Posted 01/02/2025 at 14:08:02 Wheres the moanalong forum and anyone got a decent link please? Derek Powell 68 Posted 01/02/2025 at 14:08:31 3 goalies again why not bring Benjamin up or any young man why persist with 3 goalies George Cumiskey 69 Posted 01/02/2025 at 14:12:35 Good first eleven with Doucouré starting 😱 ??? Paul Kossoff 70 Posted 01/02/2025 at 14:18:46 Mike 64, Thanks Michael. Ian Jones 71 Posted 01/02/2025 at 14:21:07 Just the 7 for Forest Kevin Molloy 72 Posted 01/02/2025 at 14:22:33 teams are clearly just falling to pieces once we beat them. Not sure if this is good or bad. Andrew Merrick 73 Posted 01/02/2025 at 14:24:29 Wtf forest winning 7 nil Nigel Scowen 74 Posted 01/02/2025 at 14:25:02 Kevin@72Well lets hope it continues after today as well Kevin. Len Hawkins 75 Posted 01/02/2025 at 14:33:24 Steve Wissett #49Are you related to Spenner Wissett Steve Wissett 76 Posted 01/02/2025 at 00:00:24 Len 75I am related to the Spencer Wissett going back to the 1800s, the Wissett family name although unusual is now fragmented into three centric areas Liverpool, West Lancs, and London. I am one of the West Lancs Wissetts. I am not directly related to any current Spenner Wissett. Add Your Comments In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site. » Log in now Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site. How to get rid of these ads and support TW © ToffeeWeb