Image source, Getty ImagesSix Premier League teams are in Carabao Cup third-round action on Tuesday:
Brentford v Leyton Orient - 19: 45
Everton v Southampton - 19:45
Preston v Fulham - 19:45
QPR v Crystal Palace - 19:45
Manchester United v Barnsley - 20:00 (listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra)
All kick-off times BST
Image source, Getty ImagesBloomberg journalist David Hellier says reports US billionaire Dan Friedkin has revived his interest in buying Everton "makes a lot of sense".
Friedkin - who also owns Roma - ended a month-long period of exclusivity talks in July amid concerns about the level of debt and last week Crystal Palace shareholder John Textor was described by Everton as making "progress" in his deal to buy the club.
But, Bloomberg reported on Monday night, external that there was another twist in the ownership saga as the Friedkin group prepare to return and rival Textor.
"I think it's really possible," Hellier told BBC Radio Merseyside
"We've been hearing for a few days that there has been preliminary talks going on and we had that confirmed last night by our sources.
"I wouldn't speculate on how serious it is but there are talks going on. It makes a lot of sense for him, he wanted it before.
"It's such a complicated situation with so many lenses that I can understand why he had cold feet but there's nothing that makes you want something more than someone else wanting it. Textor's camp are saying they're getting quite close to an agreement. I think that spurred The Friedkin Group back into action.
"I've also felt they're so interlinked with Everton with the loan that they made that they're always going to be around it. Maybe it gets to a point where you think 'maybe it's better if we're in control, then our loan is more secure'.
"Textor's camp have been talking quite a lot to the Friedkin camp because of that loan but I spoke to the Textor camp last night and they said they have not been told for sure that Friedkin is back in. It would not go down well with his camp."
Everton boss Sean Dyche is considering a shock move for 32-year-old Newcastle United and England goalkeeper Nick Pope to replace Jordan Pickford. (Mirror), external
John Textor wants to speed up the sale of his shares in Crystal Palace as he aims to accelerate his purchase of Everton. (Mail), external
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Everton winger Ronny Goodlass spoke to BBC Radio Merseyside after the Blues let a two-goal lead slip for the second consecutive game in a row in defeat at Aston Villa.
Goodlass said: "Something's massively wrong, mentality-wise.
"It's not just the last two games, it's happened for a long time now. We leak too many goals."
Speaking about Everton scoring first, Goodlass said: "We quietened the crowd. It's been the quietest I've ever heard at Villa. And when we got that second goal, that's something you'll always do as a team and as a manager: silence the crowd.
"We had 3,000 Evertonians singing their heads off and you think 'right, just be compact. Don't let them score. Don't let them get back in the game'."
It took Villa less than 10 minutes to get one goal back.
"Confidence is being drained out," added Goodlass.
And while considering how impactful the loss of Jarrad Branthwaite to injury has been, he said: "Other players should step to the fore. Roll your sleeves up, battle. Don't make it easy for them.
"Sometimes we don't look like a football team."
Image source, Getty ImagesSean Dyche has confirmed he will make changes to his Everton line-up for Tuesday's Carabao Cup tie at home to Southampton (19:45 BST).
Both sides are yet to pick up any points from their opening four Premier League games and Dyche says changes will be made because cup games "are not as important as the Premier League".
Speaking to the club's official website, external, Dyche said: "There will be changes. We will get players minutes who do need match time back out there.
"The physical aspect of having three games in a week affects how we work this week, so the approach has to be slightly different to anything hugely physical because of the demand on the players those games will bring, especially because we are down in numbers in certain areas.
"I’ve spoken about it before, with all due respect to the cups because they are important but they're not as important as the Premier League, the Premier League is vital.
"We are going to have to play certain players, who we maybe wouldn’t have wanted to play in a totally ideal scenario, because they need the minutes and we need them back and challenging for us."
Deadline day signing Orel Mangala is one player who could come into the side with Dyche saying "he's an international footballer so we want him to use that experience to our advantage".
Dyche has also confirmed he will not be rushed into starting Jarrad Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson - after both returned to full training last week.
"Fast-tracking players, in my experience, doesn't end well, so we want to fast-track them but cleverly fast-track them – not just push them through games programmes they're not capable of," Dyche added.
"They need to come into the side when they're fit, properly fit, because you can't deliver performances in the Premier League unless you're properly fit. I've experienced enough to know when you've short-tracked people into the team, they find it very difficult to find their form."
Mike Richards
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesAlbert Einstein once said that, “insanity was doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result”. I think it’s safe to say Everton, the manager and the players are in that realm currently.
Defensively chaotic, tactically predictable and consistently rudderless are a trio of terms that accurately describe the first four games of the season.
Saturday’s capitulation at Aston Villa was yet another example of game management being nothing more than a modern day analytic term for both manager and players.
Thirteen goals conceded in four games is some turnaround for last season's fourth best Premier League defence.
Sean Dyche’s sides are historically built upon being difficult to beat, while looking to pinch a goal or two in the process. Last season was evidence of that. That defensive backbone was integral to the points total achieved last season.
When that is lost, the manager appears lost.
The centre back pairing has been a puzzle in the absence of Jarrad Branthwaite. There appears to be a reluctance to start new signing Jake O’Brien.
This isn’t just a disgruntled tirade about the manager, the players are more than capable of turning two goal head starts into at least a point.
It’s easy for them to hide behind the obvious criticism levelled at Dyche. It’s much more difficult to hold their hands up and show on-field responsibility.
Two games in quick succession this week is an opportunity to eradicate the horrors of the last two matches. Two matches to rediscover the resilience that has been lost. Potentially two matches to keep the wolves from the manager's door.
Find more from Mike Richards at Unholy Trinity, external
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer England defender Matt Upson says there are just "moments" that have stopped Everton from picking up any points in the Premier League this season.
The Toffee's have surrendered two goal leads in consecutive matches to lose 3-2 at home to Bournemouth and at Aston Villa.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Breakfast Club, Upson said: "I feel for Sean Dyche to be honest, he’s doing a pretty good job there. He’s had some pretty good performances, but he’s just been let down with certain moments.
"Defensively, they will be disappointed with a couple and then Calvert-Lewin, I thought he looked back to his best. Late in the game, just moments where you think he’s got to make that count and it’s just not happening for Everton and it’s not because they’re not playing that well, it’s just moments that are not being taken care of that well to be honest.
"I think you have to be very tough mentally as a group, because those two things back to back, certainly at home, the previous game is a massive blow.
"To come and start playing as well as they did against Villa away and possibly should’ve took points out of the game shows you how positive it can be, but you’ve got to hang on to that.
"The clinical nature of the Premier League is everything, you have to take your chances and defend big moments and you have to keep practicing them."
Chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions following the return to Premier League football after the international break.
Chris asked: It’s never ending misery for Everton fans. How long has Dyche got? Is there actually a manager on the planet who can salvage this wretched football club?
Phil replied: Hello, Chris. Everton have made it clear Sean Dyche still has the support of the club’s hierarchy behind the scenes and at the moment it does not look as if anyone has the power or is inclined to make a managerial change even if they wanted to, that is even before you get to the financial implications of such a decision.
Dyche did a fine job last season after another terrible start but this has been worse and the manager needs to find solutions fast.
The problem will come if Everton keep losing. Dyche’s big selling point in the past was his ability to produce sides that were hard to score against, as Everton were last season. This season they have conceded 13 goals in four league games, twice losing 2-0 leads. They are soft and the continued presence of Ashley Young and Michael Keane demonstrates the paucity of resources.
Everton simply cannot afford to get relegated with the new stadium coming next season, which will focus minds, and there is a sense of inevitability that if new owners come in, they will want their own manager.
Dyche is into the final season of his contract with no indication he will be offered a new deal, which suggests change will come eventually, even if it is for the start of next season.
As for the manager who can save Everton….can I have a long think about that one?
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker says Everton's performances have not mirrored their results and that is, ultimately, "the harshness of football".
"Their performances have not even been bad, so we can't say they have four defeats because they have been awful," he told the BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily Podcast. "It doesn't look good to have zero points, but it easily could have been six points for them instead. That is the harshness of football."
Ex-West Ham midfielder Kevin Nolan added: "It feels like everything is going against Sean Dyche and Everton.
"The Bournemouth defeat was a real gut-wrencher and then on Saturday Jhon Duran's goal flew in. Everyone was like 'what a goal!' because it could easily be Goal of the Season already. If that had not of gone in then people would have said a point at Villa Park is a brilliant result. But this is football.
"Dyche is fighting and the club and the players are fighting to work it out too. He has a got a team that are doing that for him. Yes, it is four games and four losses but I do not see anything wrong there at the minute. It will not be long before they get that win and can push on. A couple of wins would put them back to mid-table.
"But there is no way Dyche is sat there and not thinking about the possibility of being sacked. For me, they have to keep him and they will get there."
Listen to the Football Daily Podcast on BBC Sounds
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Aston Villa and Everton.
Here are some of your comments:
Aston Villa fans
Sandra: What a goal - pure class. What more does Duran have to do to start a match? Again, very poor defending nearly allowed Everton to make it 3-3. Villa showed courage and did not panic. A good rehearsal for Tuesday's match against Young Boys.
David: The excitement of a comeback and an absolute screamer mask another game where we haven't kept a clean sheet. Would be nice for Rogers to add goals to his great performances because he has the potential to set the league alight. Solid start to the season all round though.
Ian: Terrific, exciting game - but once again Villa make it hard for themselves. We need to improve defensively because we're giving away too many chances. However, going forward we're creating plenty of chances . We could - and should - have scored half a dozen. Great to see Ollie back in the goals and what can you say about Duran's winner? Now looking forward to the Champions League game.
Everton fans
Barry: Another inept defensive display. Defensive solidity is supposedly Dyche’s hallmark - without that we are worse than useless. This has all the signs of Dyche’s final season at Burnley when he took them down. Burnley’s board left it too late - with Everton totally rudderless, will we make the same mistake?
Tommy: I will say it again - there is no need to panic yet! There are many positive aspects to the game that bode well for the future. Yes, we've squandered another 2-0 lead. We will not end up in the top six, but we will not end up in the bottom three. There are at least four or five teams worse than us. Get behind Sean and the team. We will be OK!
Richard: It's a hard watch. Great to score two goals at Villa Park, but any Evertonian worth their salt knows two is never enough these days with that defence. Yes, we could have scored more - but we didn't. As has happened so many times in the past, another worldie did for us! Deja vu - for all the wrong reasons!
American businessman John Textor wants music star Jay-Z to join his bid to buy Everton. (Sun), external
Want more transfer news and football gossip? Read Monday's full column
Gary Linker brings you highlights and analysis from Saturday's eight Premier League fixtures.
If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.
Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:
Image source, Getty ImagesSean Dyche spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Everton's defeat against Aston Villa: "The last time out was a way more difficult experience [loss to Bournemouth].
"We have done well with the game-plan. We have absorbed, countered, and scored from a set-piece.
"The biggest thing to be honest, we have a golden chance to go 3-1 up and we don't take it. They go down to our half and we make a mistake - they capitalise on it.
"Every chance is capitalised by the opposition. At the end of the day they score a worldie, we have chance again but it hit the bar.
"Very frustrated for the players, it was not for a lack of effort.
"I have spoke endlessly about both boxes, the killer instinct in both boxes. There are very small margins and we cannot get on the right side of them at the moment.
"If we score that third goal the mood changes radically in the stadium. But, they get one and the mood changes.
"They scored a worldie to win it and we don't press as hard as we should, but they probably don't expect it.
"I didn't walk here blind I knew it was going to be a big challenge, it has been a bigger challenge than what i thought."
Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?
Have your say on Aston Villa’s performance, external
What did you make of Everton’s display?, external
Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies
There are eight Premier League games on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you all the action and reaction throughout the day.
All time are BST
BBC Radio 5 Live match commentaries:
Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, ReutersAmerican businessman John Textor's bid to buy Everton is being backed by a US investment firm.
Aliya Capital Partners manages more than $1bn (£760m) in assets and joined Elon Musk in his acquisition of Twitter in 2022.
On Thursday, Everton said Textor was making "progress" in his deal to buy the club but there is "some work to be done to complete the deal".
The purchase is dependent on Textor selling his 45% stake in Crystal Palace as Premier League rules prohibit individuals from owning more than one team.
In a statement to BBC Sport, Aliya Capital Partners said: "We are delighted to support John Textor in his investment in Everton Football Club.
"Having collaborated with John over many years, and witnessed close hand his immensely successful venture with Botafogo, we view him not only as a partner but as a close friend.
"Our involvement in Everton reflects our shared commitment to innovation and transformation in football. We eagerly anticipate Everton's ascent under John's visionary leadership."
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.
For week four, he takes on Femi Koleoso and Ife Ogunjobi from jazz band Ezra Collective, the 2023 Mercury Music Prize winners.
Sutton's prediction: 2-0
Everton boss Sean Dyche is under the pump after their capitulation against Bournemouth last time out. It feels like some of their fans have turned against Dyche now, which I think is ridiculous, but he does need a result and unfortunately for him Villa Park is not a place I see Everton getting anything.
The Toffees got hammered 4-0 there last season and, although they will put up a fight, they are not going to get a result on this occasion either.
How many goals Villa get might depend on whether Ollie Watkins is fit. He's in my Fantasy team, which is bad news for him anyway, but he is an injury doubt after pulling out of the England squad.
Koleoso's prediction: 2-0
Leon Bailey to score, and Villa to win.
Ogunjobi prediction: 2-0
Image source, Getty ImagesPhil Jagielka hopes his former side Everton can secure their first Premier League points of the season in Saturday's tricky looking trip to Villa Park.
The Toffees are winless in their opening three matches and suffered an agonising home defeat by Bournemouth in their last outing before the international break, having been 2-0 up with four minutes of normal time to play.
"It was a tough watch," Jagielka told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.
"I thought they played well for the majority of the Bournemouth game but it is the way the Premier League is.
Then we talk about having the international break, they've had to stew on that for 10, 12 days. But, I'm sure Sean [Dyche] has been getting them in and getting some sort of gameplan for the game at Aston Villa.
"The pressure will be on Villa as well, they are a team now who want to establish themselves in that top four to top six. They will be expected to beat Everton so hopefully Everton go there and put in a good performance and get some points.
"They can get their season started."
