HALEWOOD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: David Moyes manager of Everton speaks to the media at Finch Farm on September 11, 2026 in Halewood, England. (Photo by Tony McArdle - Everton FC/Everton FC via Getty Images)
HALEWOOD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: David Moyes manager of Everton speaks to the media at Finch Farm on September 11, 2026 in Halewood, England. (Photo by Tony McArdle - Everton FC/Everton FC via Getty Images)
Welcome to our live coverage of David Moyes' press conference to preview Everton's Premier League game at home to Chelsea. The Blues boss is due to be with us at 1.30pm.
And the big question for Moyes will be over whether left-back Vitalii Mykolenko is fit to start after he missed last Sunday's 2-2 at Hull City with an injury sustained while away on international duty with Ukraine.
His absence on Humberside meant Everton were forced to switch star centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite to left-back and, in truth, neither he nor a defence that had previously kept three consecutive clean sheets looked completely comfortable.
So if Mykolenko is sidelined again this weekend, Moyes, who has led the Blues on an eight-match, unbeaten start to the season, may well be asked if he plans to keep Branthwaite in the position or if he intends to utilise another player there.
Also expect plenty of questions about free-scoring and big-spending Chelsea, who go into the Saturday dinnertime kick-off sitting level on points with their opponents in the top six of the table.
Chris Beesley is at Finch Farm to bring you live updates from the press conference.
Key Events
Barry chances
Giulia asks about social media footage showing Barry doing solo training. She asks about him being emotional about the misses. Moyes says: "I was emotional about the misses." (At Hull) but adds that all the players care. He says Everton took a gamble on him but he's learning and getting better.
O'Brien centre-back challenge
Asked what Jake O'Brien needs to do to come in at centre-back, Moyes says he'd have to get ahead of an England international in Jarrad Branthwaite and captain James Tarkowski. He says the Republic of Ireland international will have to wait his turn but praises his speed and strength.
George knocking on the door
Giulia asks if Tyrique George could take Jack Grealish's place on the left wing. Moyes says absolutely, he's pleased with what George has done and is knocking on the door. He says he can do a job on both flanks.
Winning ways
Giulia Bould from BBC Radio Merseyside asks how to turn the draws into wins. Moyes says it's nice to says the side are unbeaten and they've had to show some resilience. He speaks about their big chances and big misses.
Moyes hails KDH
Moyes says Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who joined Everton from Chelsea, has been hugely important for him.
The Blues boss says he's done a great job and after a little bit of a dip, is on his way back now and he doesn't think he was far off the England squad.
Stuart in Premier League Studios is up now and mentions how Chelsea have conceded a lot of goals but Moyes says their attacking line is exciting and they play an expansive style. He says it's always a good game against Chelsea and they've got some good defenders too.
He adds that Everton are in a good place.
Barry progress
Speaking about Thierno Barry, Moyes says when you're the manager, you just want your players to score but is pleased with how the player is progressing. He hopes the Frenchman will embrace the situation of being Everton's only striker as a positive.
Trio's fitness update
Moyes says Christian Norgaard still has a bit to go, Mykolenko is getting closer but Branthwaite picked up an issue early on at Hull.
Future talks
Moyes says there has been plenty of talks throughout the summer on his future and there might be a lull now but he's trying to build Everton up.
Moyes says he hopes Chelsea and any other side coming here will think it's a difficult challenge.
In terms of his own future, he says I'm getting on with the job and "we'll see."
Chelsea challenge
Vinny O'Connor from Sky Sports is up first. He asks him how he looks back at the 3-0 home win over Chelsea last season.
Moyes says it felt big at the time but it didn't lead to where they wanted to go.
He says he's not an expert on Chelsea but they've got a good set of players and manager. He can't remember ever facing them when that hasn't been the case.
Late
David Moyes was scheduled to start at 1.30pm. But it appears the Blues boss is running a little late.
Supporters urged to arrive early
Here is a transport notification from the club...
Everton supporters attending Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium are strongly encouraged to allow extra time for their journey and arrive early ahead of the 12.30pm kick-off.
A combination of emergency roadworks on Great Howard Street (northbound) and planned disruption to rail services from South Liverpool, both outlined in more detail below, is expected to place additional pressure on routes to the stadium before the game.
With a large number of supporters travelling during a compressed Saturday morning period, the Club is encouraging fans to plan ahead and arrive earlier than usual to help avoid congestion and long queues close to kick-off.
Leeds Street, Vauxhall Road, Scotland Road and Regent Road are expected to be busier than usual, and fans travelling by car from the south of the city are asked, wherever possible, to circumnavigate the city centre and journey to the stadium from the north.
However, anyone travelling to the match is encouraged to use public transport wherever possible, as this is the most reliable way to travel through the city.
Liverpool City Council and transport partners will also provide information to local residents, businesses and commuters regarding the closure and anticipated congestion.
GREAT HOWARD ST ROAD CLOSURE (NORTHBOUND)
Emergency infrastructure works have forced a full northbound closure on Great Howard Street between Paisley Street and Walter Street. The southbound carriageway is operating as usual.
However, the closure will affect routes normally used by shuttle buses (see below) and supporter coaches travelling towards Hill Dickinson Stadium and is also expected to have an impact on general traffic and access to stadium parking.
Supporters travelling by road are strongly advised to allow additional journey time and aim to arrive at the stadium early or take up the park and walk options from Liverpool City Centre. A comprehensive list of car parks can be found HERE.
The Club’s Fan Engagement team has contacted Supporters’ Club leads travelling by coach with specific information on the route they should take on Saturday. Coach organisers have also been asked to build extra time into their journeys with the intention of arriving well ahead of kick-off.
Boundary Street - One-Way Traffic And Bus Priority
From 9am on Saturday, a revised traffic system will operate on Boundary Street to help manage the additional traffic caused by the Great Howard Street closure.
Ahead of the match, Boundary Street will operate as a managed one-way route towards the stadium.
After the match, the traffic management arrangements will be adjusted to help supporters and vehicles leave the stadium area safely and efficiently.
Traffic management teams will be positioned along the route, with police support available where required.
Stadium Shuttle Buses
Due to the Great Howard Street closure, shuttle buses travelling from the city centre will operate on a revised route via Vauxhall Road and Boundary Street.
Buses will be given priority through Boundary Street and the railway arch corridor, post-match. The pre-match drop-off location will now be relocated to the current post-match location on Great Howard Street at its junction with Lightbody Street. The post-match pick-up location remains unchanged.
Supporters using the shuttle service should allow some additional journey time due to the wider road closures and expected congestion.
Nelson Dock, West Quay and Blue Badge parking
The Great Howard Street closure will affect access for supporters travelling to Nelson Dock, West Quay and Blue Badge parking within the Ten Streets area.
Revised traffic arrangements will be in place, including changes around Boundary Street, with stewards, traffic management teams and police supporting vehicle movements where required.
As a result of these works, Boundary Street from Vauxhall Street down to Great Howard will be made one-way heading towards the Stadium, from 9am to 12.30pm
Supporters with allocated parking in the West Quay or Nelson Dock car parks will also be contacted directly by the Club.
RAIL DISRUPTION FROM SOUTH LIVERPOOL
Supporters travelling from South Liverpool should also be aware of planned engineering works on the Merseyrail network.
Replacement bus services will operate between Hunts Cross and Moorfields, with no rail replacement bus stop at Liverpool Central.
Train services will continue to operate as normal through Sandhills between:
Southport and Liverpool Central and back again
Ormskirk and Liverpool Central and back again
Headbolt Lane and Liverpool Central and back again
The works form part of a £3.5 million project to strengthen and waterproof four tunnels carrying Northern Line services into Liverpool from the south.
Supporters affected by the works are encouraged to check their route before travelling and allow additional time for their journey.
Arrive early
With both road and rail disruption expected on Saturday morning, supporters are asked to avoid leaving their journey until the last minute.
Arriving early will help reduce congestion around the stadium, avoid unnecessary queues at transport drop-off points and turnstiles, and support the safe movement of supporters ahead of the 12.30pm kick-off.
Supporters should continue to check the latest travel information from Everton, Merseyrail and transport providers before setting off.
Topics to ponder
Last week, Everton manager David Moyes - like the rest of us - was digesting the news that the club's owners The Friedkin Group were prepared to sell their controlling stake less than 22 months after they bought out Farhad Moshiri.
This time around, the fitness of Vitalii Mykolenko could be on the agenda.
Seven days ago, Moyes said the Ukraine international - the Blues' only recognised option at left-back - had a chance for Hull City but he wasn't involved.
What about the situation over at right-back after Ainsley Maitland-Niles' difficult afternoon at the MKM Stadium?
I spoke to Merlin Rohl on Wednesday evening for the launch of his book and although the German was brought to the club as a central midfielder, he acknowledged that right-back, where he played in pre-season and started the campaign, might be his best route back into the side.
Speaking of that congested area in the middle of the park, the one position where Moyes appears to have a surfeit of options, could Christian Norgaard finally come into contention to make his Everton debut having been among the substitutes in East Yorkshire?
Greetings from Finch Farm
Good afternoon everyone and welcome to the live blog for David Moyes' pre-match press conference to preview Everton's game against Chelsea that kicks off at 12:30pm tomorrow.
The equivalent fixture last season proved to be the high watermark of the Blues' inaugural campaign at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The coach welcome, an emphatic 3-0 win and the team moving to within three points of the Champions League qualification places on March 21.
Chelsea blow
Chelsea have confirmed that captain Reece James has undergone successful minor knee surgery.
The club say: "The 26-year-old was absent from last Saturday’s 5-1 victory over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge while medical assessments took place following the injury suffered in training. Those assessments confirmed surgery would be the required course of action.
"Reece has already begun his road to recovery and will be supported by the club's medical department at Cobham during this rehabilitation phase.
"Everyone at Chelsea wishes Reece a speedy recovery and will support him on his road to return."
This was the night Everton and their supporters deserved - and long had dreamt of
There's been some good memories at Hill Dickinson Stadium. That first win in the first competitive game at the magnificent waterfront venue, against Brighton. Even earlier this season, supporters who were present to witness it won't forget Ainsley Maitland-Niles' last-gasp equaliser to snatch a deserved 2-2 draw against Manchester United in a hurry.
But nothing so far has topped last season's corresponding fixture against Chelsea, whowere sent packing back to London with their tails between their legs after going down 3-0 to an Everton side who just about produced the perfect home performance for this club.
To recap what truly was a fantastic evening, which at the time, felt alive with possibilities, here's the big match verdict from our now departed Blues correspondent, Joe Thomas.
It's well worth five minutes of your time.
Iliman Ndiaye leaps onto the back of Beto as the Everton players celebrate during their win over Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Iliman Ndiaye leaps onto the back of Beto as the Everton players celebrate during their win over Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Thierno Barry may have six goals in eight games this season but the striker still generates plenty of debate among Evertonians.
That is a tally that is certainly not to be sniffed at, but with the Frenchman having missed 10 big chances in the Premier League this season, some supporters are yet to be convinced.
Here's former Everton favourite Duncan Ferguson on Barry: "It must be frustrating (for) the manager and the coach on the training ground, because technically he's not good. But he's got luck, and he's got willingness to get in there, and he keeps on getting in there. Barry's strength is running away from the ball.
"The boys shoot the ball, it hits off his bum and goes in, it hits off his chest and goes in. But he can't really head it.
"He's not great technically, but he's scoring goals. He will improve. He's a young player, he's big, his work rate's fantastic. So, he's got a lot of pluses."
HULL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 11: Thierno Barry of Everton celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Hull City and Everton at MKM Stadium on October 11, 2026 in Hull, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Thierno Barry celebrates after putting Everton in front at Hull City(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Have your say in our Everton poll
It's been a good start to the season for the Blues, no doubt about that.
They are unbeaten in six Premier League matches, winning two and drawing four, and have also progressed to the last-16 of the Carabao Cup.
So just where do you think Everton could finish this season? Have your say in our poll here:
Vitalii Mykolenko latest
As it stands Everton appear to have a fully fit squad to choose from for tomorrow's match against Chelsea barring Vitalii Mykolenko, who missed last Sunday's 2-2 draw at Hull City with the injury that also ruled him out of Ukraine's final three of four Nations League clashes over the international break.
With Mykolenko being the Blues' sole specialist left-back in their paper-thin squad, they could really do with him being back.
We'll find out if he is, soon enough.
Vitalii Mykolenko of Everton
Vitalii Mykolenko of Everton (Image: Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Good afternoon
Welcome to our live coverage of David Moyes' press conference.
Hopefully the Everton manager will be with us bang-on 1.30pm.
And, unlike last week, when Moyes' press conference to preview the trip to Hull City and react to the news that The Friedkin Group were ready to sell up clashed with Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola's own press conference, over in Kirlby, to look ahead to the little matter of Liverpool's match against Manchester City, the media room at Finch Farm should be packed.
And included in that scrum will be our own Chris Beesley, who will then be part of the group of written journalists who get to interview the Blues boss in an embargoed section.
We'll see the fruits of that in tomorrow's online and print pages.
But for now it's all about the open section of the press conference.
Let's do this!