Everton

Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport journalist

Everton boss Sean Dyche has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Brentford (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Dwight McNeil has had a "good week" in training, while Dyche is "hopeful" Jarrad Branthwaite will be available for selection. Armando Broja is back training after injury, but will not be involved against the Bees.

• On the qualities Branthwaite brings to the team: "The obvious one is balance. He's a left-sided centre-half and there aren't many around - certainly not many of the standard he is. There are others - his size, his physicality - but it's nice to get left and right [and so be] so balanced. That's helpful for the whole group."

• Dyche was asked what he feels Iliman Ndiaye's best position is: "Currently he's doing well off the left. People keeping telling me I should be playing him in the number 10 [position] but there's no evidence to suggest he should be playing there. I think he could adapt into there but as a modern number 10, you have to defend from there as well. Dwight has done well on the offensive side but some of the defensive side he's found a challenge. It's not as easy as people think."

• Dyche continued: "It can be developed over time. At the moment I think he [Ndiaye] is doing a good job off the left. He can wriggle, he can affect and drive into the box, and he's doing well with that. He's still young in his Premier League learning and he's still adapting."

• On what impact the ongoing takeover is having on transfer plans for January: "There's no news so we're working to the current situation, which is being very sensible financially. If the Friedkin Group do get it done in its totality, things might change. But at the minute, we're working with the guidelines that were there before."

• On the mood around the club regarding recent form: "It's hard to bring positivity on a constant basis. The clouds have been hovering around the club for so long now that we kind of get a respite and people kind of deem it something different. But in house, the players have been very positive."

• He added: "You've just got to keep going and try to change that story. The feeling in the camp has been good - the outside feel shifts constantly - and all we can do is work hard to get the right results to keep it going."

• On facing Brentford: "Every game is vital to the fans, to me and to the players. It's another massive game for us. We've got to take on a side that do have ups and downs but they are a good side. I've got massive respect for the manager."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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Former England winger Aaron Lennon says he "loved" Sean Dyche's no-nonsense management style when he played under him at Burnley.

Now Everton boss, Dyche spent a decade in charge of the Clarets before departing in 2022 and has managed 324 Premier League games across his career.

"I loved playing for Sean Dyche," Lennon told Planet Premier League. "He says it how it is. Maybe because I'm one of them old-school players. I came through that - he tells you if you play well, he tells you if you play badly.

"I know some of the new generation of players and a lot of them want an arm around them. Dyche is probably not the man to give you that all the time.

"He'd rather let you know: 'All right, you're not playing well [or] you're doing all right'.

"So, Sean, for me, was brilliant. His demands, his standards are really high.

"Monday to Saturday, he demands every day of the week. He never lets off."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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Many Everton supporters are "screaming out" for Iliman Ndiaye to play in the number 10 position for the Toffees, according to Everton fan Lee McClean.

Ndiaye has scored three goals in 13 appearances in league and cup since his summer move from Marseille.

Dwight McNeil has been operating in a more central role in recent weeks, but McClean would like to see him revert to the left wing if he is fit to face Brentford on Saturday, with Ndiaye moving infield.

"I think me and most Evertonians that I encounter would probably change things around a bit and put McNeil back to the left, because everyone is screaming out for Ndiaye in the number 10 position," McClean told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"If you look at just how good he is and can be, we've definitely not seen the best of him yet.

"His ceiling is so high. He's just a lovely player to watch, he gets the ball in tight situations, he's got amazing skill, he can glide past players, he's not afraid to take people on and he's direct. We haven't seen a player like that at Everton for quite a while - Richarlison was similar, but he didn't have that level of skill.

"So I just think you get him involved as much as you can, get him pulling the strings and you'll see a better output of goals and assists from him.

"And if you look at the quality of McNeil's delivery from the left side, he's got an amazing left foot. One thing we're not doing is getting enough crosses into the box, and you've got Dominic Calvert-Lewin there who is possibly one of the best headers of a ball in the division."

Hear more on BBC Sounds

Newcastle United are considering Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a replacement for Arsenal target Alexander Isak. (TeamTalk), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Everton fan Paul Brown says "everything needs ripping out" at the club when the Friedkin Group officially takes over - and that includes manager Sean Dyche.

The US-based group also owns Serie A side Roma and has not shied away from making bold changes since their Italian acquisition. Earlier this month, head coach Ivan Juric was sacked after just 12 matches in charge, of which he won four and lost five.

"It sounds like they are really ruthless, but I like the fact they are a bit brutal," said Brown on BBC Radio Merseyside.

"It's hard not to refer to the manager situation here at Everton. They sacked Juric for winning four matches in 12 games - but we have a manager who has won seven games in 31.

"I would like to think they won't be having any of that when they come to Everton.

"The next few fixtures are huge for Sean Dyche. If we lose to Brentford and Manchester United and the Friedkin Group arrives after that, they will want to bring their own manager in.

"Everything just needs ripping out at Everton as part of a complete reset.

"You can feel the fans are starting to turn now against Dyche because it is terrible and frustrating football to watch. There is fan pressure.

"I am not sure if the new owners are listening to that pressure, but I have had enough of it now. I thank Dyche for everything he has done for the club with his hands tied, but it is just so bad and boring to watch.

"The players are better than what he is getting out of them."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

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BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.

Greg asked: With the next Everton boss on everyone's lips, I think we saw the right man for the job over the last four days. He won't get it because the new owners will bring their own man in, but it is Lee Carsley for me. He knows the club, would bring young players through, and play the football we crave.

Phil answered: I've had a few questions about Lee Carsley and Everton over the last few weeks.

I agree with you that he will not come into contention if, as I believe, prospective new owner Dan Friedkin brings his own man in to succeed Sean Dyche, probably at the end of the season with – in the ideal scenario – Everton still in the Premier League and Dyche's contract expired.

Given Everton's plight, it would also be a huge task for any manager, particularly one who hasn't managed full-time at club level.

Carsley may well have had an unblemished record as England's interim manager had it not been for a reckless selection gamble that backfired against Greece at Wembley, but he fulfilled his remit in restoring them to the top-tier of the Nations League, while giving youth players their chance.

The standard of opposition must always be taken into account, but there is a lot for Carsley to be proud of.

Everton manager? Not now, but maybe at some time in the future. As we know, he was a highly respected player and personality during his time at the club.

Former Everton winger Andros Townsend is disappointed that Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford does not get the same recognition for his performances at club level as he does for England.

"The biggest myth in football is that Pickford only plays well for England and never does well for his club," said Townsend on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

"One of the big reasons Everton are still in the Premier League is because of Jordan Pickford."

Listen to the Monday Night Club on BBC Sounds

Everton manager Sean Dyche will be under scrutiny during the Toffees' difficult run of fixtures over the Christmas period. (Football Insider), external

Want more news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.

Martin asked: Do you agree with me that Jordan Pickford is criminally under-rated for club and country?

Phil answered: I don't think I need to underline Pickford's importance at Everton to you. I genuinely believe Everton would be in the Championship now had it not been for his sustained excellence for his club.

I don't think anyone with an Everton connection would under-rate him.

I do, however, think he has been very under-rated for England, with people looking to pick holes that did not exist in his performances.

I think that is changing now - people are realising just what a top-class goalkeeper he has been. He showed it again in Greece, in a game England largely dominated, making two outstanding saves in each half.

Here is a telling statistic: Jordan Pickford has now equalled the legendary World Cup winner Gordon Banks' record of 73 caps - that is testimony to his consistency.

He has kept 34 clean sheets and, measured by Opta statistics, has only made one error leading to a goal, which was against Belgium in March.

I think this says it all.

BBC Sport pundit Nedum Onuoha gives us his insight and opinion every fortnight on your Premier League club.

But this week, he's in the hotseat for your questions.

So what do you want to ask for a former player. Best opponent? Most memorable team-mate he played with?

Or maybe you're just interested in what next for your club this season?

Send in your questions, external

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We asked for one thing - good or bad - involving Everton that nobody is talking about but should be.

Here are some of your comments:

Andy: The death of Nathan Patterson's career. Talented young full-back given no chance over Ashley Young, who has fortunately had some good form, and Vitaliy Mykolenko, who has returned this season with no confidence in his position. I feel sorry he has not been offered more opportunities.

Lemon: Why is Dominic Calvert-Lewin still playing, and why isn't Beto being given a real shot? He scores as a super-sub so often and Calvert-Lewin hasn't been firing consistently since 2021.

Tom: Calvert-Lewin needs crosses. He's not getting them because we have a left-footer on the right and a right-footer on the left. Illiman Ndiaye has zero assists from the left - he would impact the game more and assist from the centre.

Graham: How disappointing the results have been. We have played poor teams in bad form and still not won games. We have lost twice to Southampton - yet the media still think Sean Dyche is the man until the end of the season. We need to win more or get rid of Dyche, regardless of how well he has done previously.

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There has been some pressure on players carrying an injury going into international breaks with their national side because you are contracted to these clubs and that is where your income is.

But, for me, as a player I had a similar mindset to Harry Kane that I would always be available - injured or not injured. I would have injections when I was on international duty just so I could represent my country because it meant that much.

It is difficult, however. If you look at Jack Grealish and Pep Guardiola's comments, he has a point because the forward has not been able to play for Manchester City because of injuries. So if you have been sidelined for three or four games, I would agree that you are then not fit and available to go on international duty.

But when you look at some of the other players, ones who have been playing and being managed by their club, then I do not see it being different to being played and managed by your country.

From the club's side, when they are competing at such high levels in the Premier League, you can understand why they would want their players to be rested and get fully fit again over the two weeks, rather than having to come back straight into a hectic period of fixtures.

I kind of get it from both points of view but, as a player, if I am half fit and being played by my club, I would be fully available for my national team.

It is really difficult with the pressure that is on the players, though. I would not look at it as a decision players have made solely.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

Everton are monitoring Brighton right-back Tariq Lamptey, 24, but look set to to be beaten by West Ham in the race to sign the Ghana international on a free transfer in the summer. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Saturday's full gossip column

Things are possibly starting to look up at Everton, who are three points above the relegation zone after just one defeat in their past seven Premier League games.

Supporters are also looking forward to The Friedkin Group takeover of the club.

But what is one thing - good or bad - that nobody is really talking about in relation to Everton?

Let us know here, external

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Andy Mattioli from the RomaPress Podcast says fan attitudes are changing towards AS Roma owners The Friedkin Group because of the side's poor start to the season.

The Italian giants are currently in 12th after winning just three of their opening 12 games. Mattioli told BBC Radio Merseyside: "You would be hard pressed to find someone in Rome right now that would have something positive to say about the Friedkins."

The US-based group, led by chairman Dan Friedkin, reached an agreement to buy Farhad Moshiri's majority 94% stake in Everton back in September.

"The main reason for this mess is not just the results, but also the players not accepting Daniele de Rossi being sacked," Mattioli said.

"When Jose Mourinho was sacked, that was a big blow but the Friedkins made the smart choice to appoint a club legend. They knew fans wouldn't rebel against De Rossi.

"His sacking then took everyone by surprise. The Roma fans are very expressive so, for the last two months, they have shown it. They have hung banners, deserted the Stadio Olimpico and the ultras have walked out on a number of occasions.

"There is a tense atmosphere which has come from the Friedkins - whether they realise it or not - disrespecting a club legend.

"The fans are angry. Many of them are saying: 'Sell us - because in four years you have clearly misunderstood what we are all about.'

"Unfortunately all of the money they have invested, the Conference League trophy they won, the fact that they have improved the finances of the club, and brought in big names, has been completely forgotten."

It has been a tumultuous few years at Goodison Park during Moshiri's tenure, with many fans anticipating brighter days under the prospective new owners.

"They have always been very determined in their actions," Mattioli said of the Friedkins. "If something isn't working, they cut to the chase and get rid of that person.

"It has happened on a number of occasions - they have always been very swift. If they come to Everton, they are coming in with the ambition of raising this team from the dead.

"This Everton team is struggling and it wants to aspire to better things, rather than just fighting relegation, and that is what the Friedkins will be focusing on.

"Roma fans are also fearing the Friedkins might get sidetracked thinking about the brighter lights, bigger prestige and greater stage of the Premier League."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

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Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has become the ninth player to pull out of the latest England squad.

The 22-year-old, who has one cap for the Three Lions, did not travel to Greece with the rest of the squad and has returned to his club.

Uncapped Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah, 21, will replace Branthwaite. He has been training with England for the past two days.

Mike Hughes
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

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An away point is always valuable and Everton’s draw at West Ham means it is one defeat in the past seven Premier League matches. Given they lost all four of their opening league matches, it is a marked improvement as well as much needed.

However, given the amount of possession and control they had at London Stadium, it feels like 'one that got away'. They should have won the match but could quite easily have lost it. In fact, if it was not for Jordan Pickford’s late awe-inspiring save from Danny Ings they would have done.

The big problem is a lack of creativity in the final third with the Blues not fashioning enough takeable chances. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s recent lack of goals is highlighted - with some justification - but as a centre-forward, he is often trying to thrive on a very limited service.

Both full-backs have done a decent job lately and though Ashley Young has weighed in with valuable assists this season, neither he or Vitalii Mykolenko can be expected to deliver a supply of quality crosses for Calvert-Lewin to benefit from.

Dwight McNeil’s absence at West Ham handed the creative impetus to Iliman Ndaiye, who is a wonderfully gifted player. One of his many strengths is cutting inside, particularly from the left and onto his right foot. Perhaps he could have been an alternative for the number-10 role, with Jack Harrison playing on the left.

Wide players featuring on the opposite side to their favoured foot has never been more popular and Calvert-Lewin in particular could really benefit from that sort of service. Abdoulaye Doucoure’s value to the team is clear and his diligence and drive, not to mention his priceless goals, have helped Everton survive in the Premier League. But he is geared more towards energy than enterprise.

That is what Sean Dyche has to balance out when evaluating his players, especially given Doucoure helps thicken Everton's midfield and never shirks defensive duties.

With a bit of luck, McNeil will be fit for next week’s massive match with Brentford. Dyche is also hopeful that it will not be long before Youssef Chermiti and Armando Broja can press claims for first-team involvement after injury.

Everton are desperately short of goals so adding more players and more competition for places can only be a positive thing.

Listen to Total Sport Merseyside from 18:00 on weeknights and find details here of live Everton match commentaries on BBC Radio Merseyside

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BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.

George asked: When will the media ever highlight how bad Sean Dyche has been this season? Easiest run of fixtures as per Opta stats. Not improved at all from last season. Same boring football and hoping for draws.

Phil answered: There is certainly a growing frustration from Everton fans at the style of football being played under Sean Dyche, although I do think it was a case of needs must last season. He did a good job getting Everton to safety. It was not about style at that point - it was about safety.

This season, however, has been really tough to watch and results have been poor as well. The return of 10 points from their first 11 games is well below what would have been expected given those fixtures and they now have a tough run coming up.

I do not think Everton, given that a new ownership is in the process of being confirmed, will consider changing managers unless it really becomes a dire emergency.

I am sorry to say this to you, but ambitions this season must be limited to staying up before going into the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, which offers the opportunity of a fresh start and reset under American billionaire Dan Friedkin after years of crisis and chaos.

Dyche has a track record of being able to do that.

I would, though, be very surprised if Dyche takes Everton into that new stadium. His contract expires at the end of the season and history shows new owners nearly always want their own managers. I do not expect Friedkin to be any different.

Mike Richards
Fan writer

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The international break has come at precisely the right time for Everton.

Another uninspiring showing at London Stadium on Saturday highlighted further how our one-dimensional approach is becoming a hindrance.

West Ham, and more specifically Julen Lopetegui, appeared to be under increasing pressure. A match seemingly not made in heaven, Everton had a great opportunity to go there and snaffle three much-needed points.

What we have seen so often this season presented itself again, albeit at a slightly elevated level than we had seen at St Mary's the previous week.

The game had a distinct feeling of two managers who dare not lose. Two sides cancelling each other out at every turn.

This is where the frustration within the Everton fanbase derives from. The approach to each and every game never seems to vary.

We long for the day when we become competitive once more and play with a freedom that our rigid setup currently prohibits.

An argument can clearly be made that this style just does not quite cut it. Seven wins in 2024 simply is not good enough, even considering last season's caveats of points deductions and off-field dramatics.

Opta rated Everton's first 10 fixtures, external as the easiest in the Premier League. Our current points return is somewhat unacceptable on that basis.

Poor performances simply cannot be accepted week in, week out. It should not be the norm to approach every game as if we are facing Manchester City.

The two-week break offers a time for the club to refocus before a difficult December. The pause button at the club needs to be unpressed sooner rather than later.

Currently, there is a distinct lack of direction. It feels that the beginning of the Friedkin Group's reign is the possible remedy to the malaise.

Find more from Mike Richards at Unholy Trinity, external

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Five players have been called up to England's squad for November's Nations League internationals after eight withdrew through injury.

Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen, Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite along with Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento and Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford have also been added to interim boss Lee Carsley’s squad.

Chelsea pair Levi Colwill and Cole Palmer, Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, Manchester City midfielders Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Southampton's Aaron Ramsdale have all pulled out.

England face Greece on Thursday, 14 November and the Republic of Ireland on Sunday, 17 November.

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Opta's supercomputer has tipped promoted Southampton, Ipswich Town and Leicester City as the three most likely teams to get relegated from the Premier League this season.

Southampton are bottom and winless after 10 games since returning to the top flight, with the computer giving them 94.9% chance of being relegated.

Despite climbing out of the bottom three with an impressive first win of the season against Tottenham at this weekend, Ipswich are the next side being tipped to go down with a 70.7% chance.

While Leicester are 15th, three points clear of the drop zone, they are the third most likely side to get relegated according to Opta, with a 46.9% chance.

Wolves, Everton and Crystal Palace are the remaining sides that have an 18% or more chance of falling down to the second tier by May.