Everton

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Everton boss Sean Dyche has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Liverpool (kick-off 12:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Dyche confirmed that there were a "couple of knocks" from Wednesday's win over Wolves but "nothing serious", while Michael Keane will be "touch and go" as he comes back from minor knee ligament injury.

• The Everton boss talked about the "bouncebackability" of the side after their 4-0 win over Wolves, but it is part of the "journey" and the "knock after knock after knock" they often have to deal with.

• On the importance of the win with a tough spell of fixtures coming up: "Certainly helpful because a lot of questions have been asked. But we encapsulated that in one performance and knowing their have been signs of that over the past recent run, better signs than the noise, you have to prove it and it is another step forward. We have a pattern of taking steps forward and then moving back, so we have got to keep correcting that and try to go forwards."

• He felt Dominic Calvert-Lewin was unlucky not to get on scoresheet against Wolves, adding: "I have said before now you need to be prepared to get hurt to score goals and I think he did that throwing himself in there. I'm pretty sure Craig Dawson would be happy to give those [own goals] away. It was a good performance from Dom and he was getting in the right areas to score goals."

• On keeping players hungry to score goals after the team's recent drought: "We have spoken openly about the record of some of the players and past records. History leaves clues and it certainly left clues for our players last night, saying 'look, you can score goals'. No magic to it other than being free."

• They will "learn about" Armando Broja the more they see him after he made a "good cameo" on Wednesday: "There is a real desire in him, a chance for him to make a real mark in a big club like this and I think he is hungry for it."

• On the final Premier League Merseyside derby at Goodison Park: "It brings our fans to the fore again... I don't have the depth of knowledge for these games, it is for the people and the crowds - if we can win, it is for them and not me."

• On Arne Slot's impact at Liverpool: "A lot of what has impressed me is I don't think he as made a massive amount of change. You don't have to radically change everything. They are still operating in a high tempo, effective in different ways and in similar style." He added: "It seems like a smooth transition for me."

Catch up on all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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Ashley Young started playing football a long time ago. It is a credit to the hard work that he has put in that he is still playing today at 39 years old, because if he wasn't working as hard then he simply would not be playing.

I played in the England Under-21s with him and he is probably the last of our age group to still be playing and especially to be doing it in the Premier League - it's a credit to his adaptability and how he has changed his game over the years that he still is. When I first started playing with him he was a winger but now he is a full-back.

I do not think he has always been given credit but he will now go into the record books because his goal against Wolves makes him the oldest person to score a free-kick in the Premier League!

The most important thing is that he really looks after himself and he still has the drive to win, which is exactly what Sean Dyche needs in this Everton side. Dyche has the option of players in that position who are younger but he knows what he is going to get from Young and that he will deliver.

It is a super physical game in the Premier League, but he is still a solid defender while also being good in attack. So that, paired with his experience, makes for one of Everton's most important players.

I think he will be an inspiration to a lot of people. He is proving that you can still play in your late thirties if you have the right attitude, look after yourself and have the fortune of not getting injured.

I felt proud watching him against Wolves when he was sliding on his knees in celebration. It must be a really, really nice feeling for him too.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

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While Saturday's Merseyside derby throws up the usual conflicts between Everton and Liverpool supporters, this weekend's edition holds further significance as fans look to come together to combat food poverty in the city.

Saturday's match will be the last Premier League derby at Goodison Park, as Everton's new stadium nears completion, and Katie Carter from fans' group The 1878s spoke to BBC Radio Merseyside on Thursday about how they want to mark the fixture.

"We do the flags at Goodison and we kindly have fans who sponsor our displays," she said.

"We decided we always ask people to donate to us to be able to make the flags happen. We decided, why not give something back? How about we try our utmost to make this the biggest collection that the foodbanks have ever had at a football game?

"It's not about Everton or Liverpool, it's about people in the city coming together as we always do to help those most in need. If every single fan that went to the game, if possible, could bring one tin of food or toiletries, there wouldn't be one hungry kid in this city on Saturday night.

"How good would that make you feel, knowing you have been a part of that and helped the people who most need it?"

When people see foodbank donations, the assumption is that food is the only thing those in poverty need. As Katie explains, the problems are rooted deeper than that.

"Things have cropped up this week that we didn't know about," she added.

"There are thousands of children on Merseyside who go to school with no deodorant on and haven't been washed. They don't have the products to do that.

"There is so much more than just providing food to people. Let's help these children have better hygiene and stuff like that when they are going to school."

Image source, PA Media

We asked for your thoughts after Everton's 4-0 win against Wolves in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Here are some of your comments:

Mike: A crucial three points. The first goal was crucial and thankfully for the first time in six games it was Everton that scored it. Really liked what I saw from Broja in the few minutes he was on. Harrison finishing... beyond belief but I guess you can't have it all.

Steve: Let's not get carried away with the scoreline as we were up against a very poor team in Wolves. However it may give us a good dose of confidence going into the weekend. Let's hope that we can gather a few points bearing in mind who we play in the next few games.

Fraz: Overall good game. DCL played really well and did everything but score! Hopefully other Everton fans will get off his back now!

Paul: A better performance and a great three points heading into the remaining December fixtures which are very difficult. Still sitting back and inviting Wolves onto us for large periods which will have a different outcome against Liverpool and Chelsea especially. Broja looked good when he came on and I hope he gets a chance in the upcoming games.

Gary Lineker presents highlights and analysis from eight midweek 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:

• Ipswich Town 0-1 Crystal Palace

• Leicester City 3-1 West Ham United

• Newcastle United 3-3 Liverpool

• Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United

• Aston Villa 3-1 Brentford

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Everton's Ashley Young scored his 50th Premier League goal on Wednesday in the 4-0 win against Wolves and, at 39 years and 148 days old, he is the oldest player to reach this milestone in the competition's history.

Young surpassed Mark Bright, who netted his 50th in the competition aged 36 years and 225 days old in January 1999.

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Everton boss Sean Dyche, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the 4-0 win over Wolves: "[There have been] a lot of question marks about what we are trying to achieve here and we had to answer them - I think the players have done.

"It was a good performance, a committed performance.

"I said in the week to the group that I couldn't be any more proud of these players.

"They have been through all sorts and they have kept going."

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Everton's performance, external

What did you make of Wolves' display?, external

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

Six matches make up Wednesday's Premier League action, and we will bring you every moment.

• Manchester City v Nottingham Forest

• Everton v Wolves

• Newcastle v Liverpool - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Southampton v Chelsea

• Arsenal v Manchester United (20:15 GMT) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Aston Villa v Brentford (20:15 GMT)

All kick-off times are 19:30 GMT unless stated. Commentary of all six games available on the BBC Sport website and app.

Follow all the action and reaction here

Ian Kennedy
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

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Obviously, the importance of Everton's game against Wolves on Wednesday cannot be overstated.

After Wolves come Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City. A nightmare sequence of fixtures for anyone, but that is not to say Wolves is a given.

It is an opportunity on paper because Wolves are two points worse off, but Everton are not only without a goal since late October, they also now have to put Sunday's defensive woes behind them.

And that will be crucial against a Wolves side with 12 more goals than the Blues this season - although they too conceded four at the weekend.

But in Matheus Cunha and Jorgen Strand Larsen they have a big goalscoring threat.

So Everton need to find a threat of their own. They need to create more chances but then need to convert them too.

Beto got a start against Manchester United - but will he get the nod again?

Armando Broja seems to be closer now to being involved and the sooner the forward options are widened the better.

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

Explore Everton content on BBC Sounds

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.

For week 14 he takes on James Ryan, bassist with rock band The Slow Readers Club.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Everton did well for half an hour or so against Manchester United but they just can't score - they have not found the net in any of their past four games.

In contrast, Wolves have definitely got a goal in them but their problem is that they are just so open defensively.

Gary O'Neil's side have conceded 32 goals in 13 league games, which makes me think even Everton will score against them.

This is a huge game at the bottom of the table and my first thought was to go for another draw, but I am actually going to go with the Toffees to nick the three points.

They certainly need them, with a tough run of games coming up, starting with the Merseyside derby on Saturday.

Everton manager Sean Dyche is under pressure at the moment and a section of fans appear to have really turned against him, but I don't think you can blame the club's situation on him.

Of course he carries the can for their results but he has been totally hamstrung over what he can spend on his squad, which is why they are struggling.

Ryan's prediction: 2-1

Everton could have scored a couple of goals against United, so I am going with them to win here. I don't think they are as bad as their results suggest.

Read the full predictions and have your say here

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Everton have lost their past three home league games against Wolves. It is their longest losing home run against the West Midlands side, and as many defeats as they had suffered in their previous 18 against them at Goodison Park (W9 D6).

With the club's takeover situation continuing to run without any update, Everton boss Sean Dyche has been discussing how things currently stand in his relationship with Farhad Moshiri and the prospective owners.

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Everton boss Sean Dyche says he is "proud" of his players because many of them have been there through the struggles of the past few seasons and "are still fighting" for the club today.

Reflecting on the Toffees start to the season, Dyche said: "I have been frustrated this season because I think we have done better than the points show. I don’t think there’s major frustration in the group other than to deliver better than what we are doing.

"It’s an ongoing challenge and the group are honest with it. I am proud of them. The players have been through constant fire and are still fighting. So fair play.

"That is part of the journey of Everton Football Club. Without them having a go then we would be in absolutely massive trouble.

"We’ve got it right enough before and now we’ve got to get it right again.

"Last season at this point, we had four points. We have 11 points now and I want more. Look what happened next [last season]. We are still looking to crack the code and that's we've spoken to the players about. That's my job."

Dyche confirmed that he and his team are working to see what business they can do in the January transfer window but there are still financial limitations as things stand.

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

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

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Striker Armando Broja will be "in and around" the squad for Wednesday but Youssef Chermiti remains sidelined.

• On Dominic Calvert-Lewin's form: "I have spoken to him recently about freeing himself up a bit. He has more to offer. I reminded him of the good player he is and the threat he can be. Finding the consistency in what he is doing is important but he knows that. He says he feels good."

• He said what went wrong against Manchester United "was pretty obvious in terms of mistakes" but added that their "defensive record was strong" until then.

• On the pressure on his team: "We are still working for every inch we've got. We're working hard, we know we need to improve. We've done enough and we need to keep doing enough."

• On whether he has sought assurances about his position from owner Farhad Moshiri: "The fact is it's never been an easy ride since I've walked in - that's never changed. I've been truthful and open about that. It's been difficult and it still is difficult. I am more than ready for the challenge. It could be easier. I have made errors and the team have made errors. But the bigger picture is that we have done loads of work and good things."

• More from Dyche on what errors he has made: "Tactical errors or picking the right team. I'm still trying to crack the code. But that is where we are at."

• He confirmed he has had no contact with The Friedkin Group but that is to be expected until the takeover is officially complete. Dyche added: "I am sure when they are nearly there they will reach out. Whether I am their guy or not, they will want to get a feel for the club and team. That is good football practice."

• He hopes to strengthen the squad in the January transfer window but there is "still a financial situation playing into" what is feasible or not.

• On needing the fans' support: "The fans have always been a big part of this football club and they will be forever more. That's with me or without me. I have never questioned them, despite what some have written. Try to stay behind us for as long as you can and help us and the players. Stand up and stay together."

• Dyche concluded his news conference by saying: "We work tirelessly - not just me, but everyone here. This is the most work I have done in my management career without a shadow of a doubt."

Listen to commentary of Everton v Wolves on the BBC Sport website and app on Wednesday

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

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Everton defender Ashley Young could be in for a family clash in the FA Cup third round when his side take on Peterborough United, where his 18-year-old son Tyler plays.

Peterborough travel to Goodison Park next month with Young keen to see his son in action for the League One club where he made his first senior appearance this season.

"Dreams might come true," 39-year-old Young said in a post on X on Monday.

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton believes "it's not a great surprise" to see Everton struggling but still thinks "they have enough" to avoid relegation.

However, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, Sutton said "it's all turning ugly" at the club and there is "an inevitability" that manager Sean Dyche will not be in charge for the long term.

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

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Everton have been drawn to play Peterborough United in the FA Cup third round at Goodison Park.

The tie will take place between 9-13 January.

See the full draw here