Everton

Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport journalist

Everton boss David Moyes has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Liverpool (kick-off 19:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Left-back Vitaly Mykolenko could be available after returning to training on Tuesday.

• On taking charge of another Merseyside derby, which will be the final one played at Goodison Park: "It's been a while since my last one, they've always been difficult games. Liverpool have always been a tough opponent. At Goodison it always felt a lot easier because of the support behind us. I think this game will be no different."

• Asked to recall memories of his first derbies in charge of Everton, Moyes said: "It was a different time and we were probably just getting ourselves back into being competitive as a Premier League club. I think the gap between the two teams at the moment is probably as big as it has been for a long time. I have to try to bridge the gap and start bringing the two clubs closer together."

• Moyes was asked if he had a message for Everton fans before Wednesday's match: "They have been fantastic since I've come back. Goodison has always had a really difficult, intimidating atmosphere and is a difficult place to play. I've had some great nights here as a manager and I hope I've got some more still to come. The supporters have always played a huge part. They've had a difficult period but hopefully they can see a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel."

• On whether he will need to remind players to contain the emotions given the occasion: "The players now are much more aware of how refereeing is nowadays, but let's be fair - it's part of why you're building the game up. You want it to be built up to be emotional and explosive at times, that's part of derby games. I'm a football supporter and that's what I want when I go and watch. You want to see people being competitive, action and it mattering to the team you support."

• On Liverpool: "They had a fantastic coach in Jurgen Klopp who made Liverpool so good over many years. Most people would be amazed how well Arne Slot has done, coming in after Jurgen, but he's done a great job. That's hard to say when you're in this seat [as Everton manager]. He looks as if he's done it very smoothly and he's got the team playing well."

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Before Wednesday's final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, we've taken a look at five Everton victories over Liverpool at the old stadium during the Premier League era.

Everton 2-0 Liverpool, 21 November 1994

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Everton were bottom of the Premier League when they welcomed fourth-placed Liverpool in November 1994. Having sacked Mike Walker after the club's then worst start to a league season, Joe Royle oversaw the sweetest of new manager bounces. Second-half goals from Duncan Ferguson - a loan signing later made permanent - and Paul Rideout late on secured a famous Goodison win.

Everton 1-0 Liverpool, 11 December 2004

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David Moyes will take charge of his 23rd Merseyside derby as Everton manager on Wednesday and will be hoping for a similar result to the meeting he oversaw in 2004. The Toffees tasted derby day victory for the first time in five years with Lee Carsley's long-range strike securing a nervy 1-0 win. At the time, it moved Moyes' side 12 points clear of their city rivals.

Everton 3-0 Liverpool, 9 September 2006

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A double from Andy Johnson after Tim Cahill's opener secured Everton's biggest derby win for 42 years in September 2006. Johnson's second late on to seal the victory was notable for a remarkable piece of goalkeeping by Pepe Reina, who essentially threw the ball up for the striker to head in on the goalline.

Everton 1-0 Liverpool, 4 February 2009

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Scenes of jubilation for Everton fans in Goodison Park, scenes of confusion for watching live on ITV. When Dan Gosling fired home a dramatic winner two minutes from the end of extra time, the broadcaster had cut to an advertising break, switching back to live coverage in time to capture wild celebrations as the Toffees reached the FA Cup fifth round.

Everton 2-0 Liverpool, 24 April 2024

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"You lost the league at Goodison Park", was the chant gleefully ringing round the stadium after a dominant win all but ended Liverpool's Premier League title bid in Jurgen Klopp's final season in charge. Jarrad Branthwaite's strike and a towering header from Dominic Calvert-Lewin gave Everton their first home Merseyside derby win since October 2010 amid a thunderous atmosphere under the lights.

Pick your favourite of the above derby wins here

And now it's over to you...

We stuck to the Premier League era for the five above, but there are so many more standout games - the incredible 4-4 draw in the FA Cup in 1991 that led to the resignation of Reds boss Kenny Dalglish, Everton's first derby win for seven years in 1978, and ending Liverpool's unbeaten record in 1988 to name just three.

So we want your pictures, stories and memories of the notable moments from this fixture down the years. Get in touch here

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

James asked: Do you think Everton can spring a surprise and beat Liverpool? Wouldn't it be magical if Everton could win the last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park?

Phil answered: Of course they can. Whether they will is another matter because Liverpool have been outstanding in the Premier League this season and are deservedly leaders.

Everton beat Liverpool at Goodison late last season and it will be a special occasion as the last derby at the great old stadium.

And Everton are now in much better shape since David Moyes' return as manager. It will be a tough assignment, but Everton have gained belief from those three successive league wins and must hope confidence is not knocked after going out of the FA Cup to Bournemouth.

• Not an Everton fan? Find your team's page here

Read more of Phil's Q&A and the rest of Tuesday's football news on our daily live page

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Former Liverpool midfielder Ray Houghton says the postponement of the Merseyside derby in December "has really helped Everton".

The Toffees were struggling for form under Sean Dyche but now go into the final Goodison Park derby on a run of three straight league wins under David Moyes.

"David has come in and revitalised them," Houghton told Goodison's Greatest Derbies, a special edition of BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "All of a sudden, there's a different way of thinking about their game.

"If they had played it when they should have, with the way Everton were playing, there would have only been one conclusion - a Liverpool victory.

"Now Evertonians are really looking forward to the game. They're going into it with a lot of optimism, belief and confidence. That's down to the past few results they have got.

"David has come in and just given them a bit more belief. It's the same group of players but they just have a different voice. A few tweaks here and there and they look free-flowing, they're scoring goals and everything is looking good.

"The Everton fans are saying 'bring on Liverpool' and there aren't many saying that about playing Liverpool at the moment.

"I can't wait for it. I think it will be an absolute cracker. I'm sure it will be a fabulous occasion."

Listen to Goodison's Greatest Derbies on BBC Sounds

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Mike Richards
Fan writer

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With our FA Cup run over before it got started, we now know that every time a team visits Goodison Park for the remainder of the season, it will be their last.

I am not normally one for sentimentality, but as we enter the final few months of the season, the air of finality is abundantly apparent.

With that in mind, Wednesday's final Merseyside derby holds that added bit of weight.

Our local rivals are eager to increase the gap at the top of the table, us keen to not only stop them, but ensure an Everton victory is written within the last few pages of Goodison's history.

David Moyes has brought a sense of calm and enabled the team to pull away from the bottom three, hopefully meaning we can approach the game as something of a 'free hit'.

As a fan, I want a blood and thunder approach - a throwback to a time when derbies meant more and we were closer to Liverpool than we currently are.

Last season's 2-0 win is all the players need draw on before the game. The belief should be there.

I would imagine the manager approaches the game fairly pragmatically, sprinkled with some controlled emotional spice.

Goodison Park has so often been remembered for epic Everton performances under the floodlights.

From Bayern Munich to Fiorentina, and this very fixture last season, there can be no place quite like it when the light switch is flicked.

For one final time, can we invoke the legends of Goodison's illustrious past and make it a night that lives long in the memory?

Over to you, lads.

As we head into the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, we want your memories, stories and pictures from the standout moments down the years. Get in touch here

Find more from Mike Richards at Unholy Trinity, external

A special episode of the BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily podcast has been released.

'Goodison's Greatest Derbies' is now available on BBC Sounds.

Kelly Cates is joined by Pat Nevin, Ray Houghton and Phil McNulty as they look back at some of the greatest and most poignant Merseyside derbies at Goodison Park over the years ahead of the final one taking place at the ground on Wednesday.

Pat and Ray relive their goals and memories from the derbies and share an insight into that period of their careers as footballers.

Also hear from Everton manager David Moyes as he prepares for the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

Listen to the episode on BBC Sounds

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Jarrad Branthwaite says Everton must go into Wednesday's final Goodison Park derby against Liverpool believing they can win the game.

Arne Slot's side have lost just once in the Premier League this season and will visit Goodison Park for the final time knowing victory would take them nine points clear at the top of the Premier League.

"It is the Merseyside derby, it is another game that we are looking to win, that's it," Toffees' defender Branthwaite said.

"If you build it up too much then you can fall under the pressure so I think for us as players we are going into it with the belief that we can get a result like last season.

"If you go into it bigging it up - all the pressure is on and everyone is watching - then you probably won't play your best.

"It will be different for the fans as they create the atmosphere for us to go out there and do a job. We need to go out and perform."

Brathwaite scored the opening goal when Everton beat their city rivals 2-0 in March to effectively end their title hopes in Jurgen Klopp's final season in charge.

The Toffees will hope for a similarly energised performance after a run of three league wins in a row following David Moyes' reappointment in January.

"Obviously, wins are going to lift the atmosphere around the club and since the manager came in there has been a change," added Branthwaite.

"That has given us a bit of momentum, the fans are right behind us again and it makes it a difficult place when teams come here.

"I can feel a bit of change and hopefully that can continue.

"We've played against some top teams in the last five games and gone head-to-head with them and picked up points so we know we can do it.

"If we are not they will punish us as they are a good team. We have to be on the front foot from the first whistle and be ready to take it on."

We asked for your views on Eveton's match against Bournemouth in the FA Cup.

Here are some of your comments:

Everton fans

Greg: We were very poor in the first half though improved after the break. Tarkowski had a game to forget and cost us the two goals. Alcaraz looks like he may have something. I like the way he's positive in the way he plays. He should start on Wednesday instead of Doucoure who is fast going downhill.

Graham: Two bad mistakes from a usually reliable defender. We did everything but score in the second half. If they play like that for the rest of the Premier League games we will be OK.

Barry: Dreadful first half performance; much better second-half. Second goal gave us a mountain to climb against a well organised Bournemouth, who have become a real bogey team for us. Let's hope the second-half performance is taken into the derby on Wednesday, as Liverpool will make hay if we perform like we did in the first half. Will happily take the cup exit for a final Goodison derby win!

Bournemouth fans

Charl: Bournemouth deserve a lot of credit for this result. A competent defensive display, an assured midfield performance and two goals against an in-form team. Very well done Andoni and the squad.

Paul: A classic game of two halves. Totally dominant in the first half but couldn't control midfield the same way in the second. Solid defensive effort throughout though, and, unlike the Liverpool game, the woodwork helped us out this time. Onto the next round!

Sean: That was some penalty from Semenyo! First half Everton let us play our game and we took our chances. Everton had a second half purple patch but were wasteful. A deserved win and hoping for a favourable tie in the next round.

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Jarrad Branthwaite spoke to BBC Radio Merseyside after Everton's defeat against Bournemouth: "In the second half we were very good and created a lot of chances. We shot ourselves in the foot [in the first half] and we invited them on too much. We know they are a good pressing team and we probably played into their hands a bit too much."

On individual errors: "Over the course of a season you are going to have a few games like that. I've already had mine this season. It's just about how you react to that."

He was impressed by Carlos Alcaraz's debut: "He looked bright with this free-kick and a couple of link-up plays on the edge of the box. Hopefully he can add to our team and create that dynamism in the middle."

Everton are aiming to sign young British stars as part of a new recruitment focus. (Football Insider), external

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

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David Moyes spoke to BBC Sport after Everton's defeat against Bournemouth: "Disappointing start to the game. We gave away two dreadful goals. I'm pleased with the way they responded in the second half. I'm pleased with the subs, they all had an impact.

"We hit the post three times, had one cleared off line. It just wasn't our day. We just needed one of the chances to go for us and it didn't."

Could it be a blessing in disguise to focus on the league? "Maybe. The most important thing for us is to make sure we're a Premier League club. It would have been nice to get to a cup final - it wasn't like we gave it up.

"Now our focus is totally back on the Premier League and trying to do what we need to do.

"Goodison is somewhere I've gotten very used to over the years. There will be people who know Goodison more than I'll ever know. A special stadium. On its day it can have an incredible atmosphere and be intimidating. We're hoping the new stadium will give us all that. But before we talk about the new stadium we have to make sure we're a Premier League club."

Tell us your thoughts on the match here

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Everton's performance

What did you make of Bournemouth's display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Nine Premier League teams are competing in Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round action, and we will bring you every moment.

• Leyton Orient v Man City (12:15) - watch on BBC One and listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Coventry v Ipswich

• Everton v Bournemouth

• Southampton v Burnley

• Wigan v Fulham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Birmingham v Newcastle (17:45) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Brighton v Chelsea (20:00) - watch on BBC One and listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

All kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all the action and reaction here

I went with Bournemouth to beat Liverpool last weekend, and they gave it a really good go. The Cherries hit the woodwork twice and they were unlucky to lose in the end.

I can see Everton making a few changes here, because they play Liverpool in the rearranged Merseyside derby on Wednesday.

After three straight wins, Everton manager David Moyes will still want a good performance to keep the momentum going, but I am going to stick with my policy of backing Bournemouth.

The Cherries have already beaten Everton twice this season - first with that incredible finish to their game in August, when they came back from being 2-0 down after 87 minutes to win 3-2, and then at the start of January when they won 1-0 in Sean Dyche's last game as Toffees boss.

I would love Andoni Iraola to go strong in the FA Cup this season and go all out to win it - the possibility is there, even with their current injury problems.

On that basis, I am going for them to get the better of Everton again, and make it a hat-trick of wins over them.

Sutton's prediction: 0-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here

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The fifth-round draw will take place during Monday's episode of The One Show on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Former England winger Theo Walcott, who won the trophy twice while with Arsenal, will conduct the draw at about 19:10 GMT.

There are 16 Premier League teams left in the draw, with Leicester having been beaten by Manchester United on Friday, and Arsenal, Brentford and West Ham exiting in the third round.

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Everton defender Jake O'Brien has spoken about the "positive vibe" surrounding the club after the re-appointment of David Moyes in January.

The Blues have won three out of four Premier League matches since the Scot's return and move nine points clear from the relegation zone with a game in hand.

"A lot of change but it's positive change," O'Brien told BBC Radio Merseyside. "The managerial change and then getting wins on the board has bought a positive vibe around the club.

"You can sense that positive change in the club even just speaking to everyone, day-in day out. There is a positive vibe among the club. Hopefully, we can keep getting more wins and pushing up the table."

A £16.4m summer signing from Lyon, centre-back O'Brien featured only twice in the league under Sean Dyche. However, he has started each of Everton's past three matches at right-back with the Blues winning all three and keeping two clean sheets.

"It's been many years since I've played that role and now you look at me and you don't think that I can play that role," he said. "It can be funny looking at my stature and the role I've been asked to play but I think there's sides to my game that match it.

"The manager has asked me to come into the side and play with a different side to my game and it has been positive.

"It's three wins from three now, so as long as I'm playing and can show those parts of my game then I'm happy to do that."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

David Moyes says Everton "would have liked to have done a bit more" business in January but is hopeful of more profitable windows in the future.

Speaking before the FA Cup tie with Bournemouth, Moyes was asked about new signing Carlos Alcaraz who is available to make his debut.

Image source, Getty Images

Earlier, we asked you to name the former Everton manager from a series of clues.

The answer was Roberto Martinez, who was in charge between 2013 and 2016.

Henry Brownsey
BBC Sport journalist

Everton boss David Moyes has been speaking to the media before Saturday's FA Cup game against Bournemouth (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On the January transfer window: "It could have been much better but everyone connected with Everton is aware of our situation. We're feeling much better. We'd have liked to have done a bit more if we could have but either prices or availability played their part."

• On Carlos Alcaraz, who joined on deadline day: "He's ready to play. He looks match fit but the biggest thing to do is get him used to this group of players. He's got Premier League experience so the speed of the game shouldn't shock him too much."

• On the possibility of signing Alcaraz permanently: "I'm quite pleased to get him - it gives us a chance to look at him and see how it goes. It's not something we have to guarantee at the moment but if he hits the criteria we'd be in a situation to bring him into the club [permanently]."

• On the midfielder's qualities: "If you've seen him play, his energy will always be something he'll be known for. His youthfulness is still important. It'll give him an opportunity to see if he can step up to this level again."

• Moyes compared youngster Harrison Armstrong, who joined Derby on loan to former Everton midfielder Leon Osman: "Osman had been a talented young player and he came back from Derby ready to go into the first team. He went on to be a great player for us. I hope Harrison is on a similar journey and if he can get the best part of 10 or12 games then hopefully by the summer we'll see how he's looking."

• On how to balance twin priorities of the league and the FA Cup: "Let's not kid everyone on - the biggest importance is to be a Premier League club, but every Everton supporter wants another trip to Wembley and a chance to win a trophy so we have to give the supporters that. But our position is the overriding thing. We have to retain our Premier League status."

• On what winning a trophy would mean: "Every club I've been to, everyone says the same and wants a trophy [but] there are clubs in this country that are serial winners and it's very hard to overtake them. What I ideally want is an Everton team getting to semi-finals and finals and being more competitive."

• On hosting potentially a final FA Cup game at Goodison Park: "We've probably only got eight or nine games left at Goodison Park forever, so quite rightly they should enjoy it and embrace it. You get the feeling the supporters and players are beginning to get a connection back together. For a club like ours, 'The People's Club', you need the players and supporters all working together."

Follow all of Friday's FA Cup news conferences and the rest of the day's football news