David Moyes will speak at his Everton press conference today
David Moyes will speak at his Everton press conference today
Welcome to our live coverage of David Moyes' press conference to preview Everton's showdown with Premier League table-toppers Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday.
After 11 days off, Everton could not be returning to a much harder fixture on Saturday when they head to the favourites to win the title.
The Blues, who didn't play in the FA Cup last weekend, are back in the country after a warm weather training camp in Portugal, but has led to questions over whether or not he'll be fit to face the Gunners.
Moyes is sure to be asked about that at his press conference at Finch Farm this morning, with the Everton boss due to face the media from 9.45am.
Our very own Joe Thomas will be in attendance, and he'll bring you everything Moyes has to say. Stay with us.
Graham cracker
Ahead of Everton Under-21s' Premier League International Cup quarter-final at home to Borussia Dortmund next Wednesday (get yourself down to Walton Hall Park if you can), I sat down with manager Paul Tait at Finch Farm.
The shining light among the Blues' academy ranks right now is Braiden Graham, who has netted 31 goals in all competitions this term.
The Northern Ireland Under-19s international is also turning out in the FA Youth Cup with Everton going to Manchester City tonight - look out for my coverage from that one - but Tait explained the club's plan for the prolific youngster this year.
When asked what makes Graham stand out as a prospect, Tait told the ECHO:
“His goals, that’s what gets him noticed.
“Everybody in the academy has been impressed with his mentality. The way he trains, he’s first on the pitch and last off.
“He’s desperate to do individual stuff and get better. He’s desperate to improve his weaknesses, is humble and works hard.
“He’s a good character. Not just the talent that you see on the pitch but characteristics we try to instil in the boys in terms of humility and seeing the goodness in teamwork and Braiden has embraced that since he came over from Ireland.”
Click for the full interview
Jarrad Branthwaite fitness latest
It was clear toward the end of Everton's win over Burnely last time out that Jarrad Branthwaite was feeling the back of his leg before eventually being replaced by Michael Keane (the ball did not go out for ages!).
The key centre-back passed the ball and went up for a corner moments before his withdrawal, and came back out to celebrate after the match, so there were no immediate concerns, but it's since come to light that he did not travel to Portugal for that warm-weather training camp.
Expect David Moyes to be quizzed on the latest on Branthwaite, who the Blues really need between now and the end of the season if they are secure European football.
Jarrad Branthwaite celebrates after setting Everton on their way to victory at Newcastle United (Image: Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Good morning!
On Fridays we usually on get the chance to hear from David Moyes in the afternoon, but today's press conference starts at the earlier time of 9.45am.
It will be the first time we have been able to speak to the Everton manager since his side made it back-to-back Premier League victories with a 2-0 home win over Burnley on Tuesday, March 3.
Since then the squad has jetted off to Portugal for some warm-weather training. But now back on a cold and wet Merseyside, the Blues are putting their final preparation in places for Saturday's massive match at leaders Arsenal (5.30pm kick-off).