Former Everton midfielder Kevin Kilbane feels his former club have nothing to lose ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixtures, ones that could have massive implications for the title race and top four.
In an exclusive interview, Kevin sat down and discussed Everton’s recent form. He was confident that the club can ruffle a few feathers in April.
Their next three games sees the Toffees face neighbours and league leaders Liverpool before taking on second place Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. With 16 points separating first and third, Everton could have a huge say on the final table.
Not only are they wanting a respectable finish after a few relegation threatened seasons, but they will want to hurt their local rivals by earning at least a point at Anfield next time out. A draw or win in the two games that follow the derby could have implications on Arsenal’s title challenge and Forest’s Champions League hopes.
Kilbane certainly feels that the club may have a say.
Everton’s post international break run
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Idrissa Gueye of Everton and Anthony Elanga of Nottingham Forest in action during the
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Idrissa Gueye of Everton and Anthony Elanga of Nottingham Forest in action during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Goodison Park on December 29, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
“Absolutely yes. David Moyes has bought a confidence to the team and they are scoring more, conceding less and playing more expansive football. They have nothing to fear in these games and especially at home, they can look to take positives from previous performances and the crowd will be in full voice as the last few home games at Goodison are upon us, so fans savouring every game as it happens.
“Starting with Liverpool and a Merseyside derby, Everton will look to put in a big performance here after Liverpool went out of the Champions League and lost in the Carabao Cup Final.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 12: Ashley Young and Carlos Alcaraz of Everton attempt to intervene as tempers flare between Curtis Jones of Liverpool and Abdoulaye Doucoure of Everton during the
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 12: Ashley Young and Carlos Alcaraz of Everton attempt to intervene as tempers flare between Curtis Jones of Liverpool and Abdoulaye Doucoure of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC at Goodison Park on February 12, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Back in February, in a rearranged fixture, Everton and Liverpool played out a Merseyside Derby classic in the final ever meeting between the two at Goodison Park.
Despite going 2-1 down, James Tarkowski’s grabbed a 98th minute equaliser to send the home crowd into chaos. There was a tension present all game, with both sets of fans feeling the occasion. This found its way onto the field, with Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucouré sent off after a scuffle at the final whistle. Liverpool manager Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff also received red cards and touchline bans for their role in the post-derby drama.
Kilbane spoke of what he expects from the return fixture.
“The Same. Under Moyes, you know what to expect. He will come with a game plan and look for his team to deliver it to a tee. Everton will look to quieten down the crowd and look to play their game. They will look to use their physicality, strength from set pieces and also look to defend well.
“They won’t be bullied by Liverpool and look to exploit Liverpool where possible. They know if they can start well, then Liverpool may start feeling nervous following previous performances. I expect Everton to be competitive for sure.”
Kilbane on Beto’s improvement
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 1: Beto of Everton celebrates scoring during the
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 1: Beto of Everton celebrates scoring during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Leicester City FC at Goodison Park on February 1, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
One player who scored in that derby game in February was striker Beto. Arriving for £25.75 million in August 2023, he managed just three league goals in the 2023/24 season. He was seen as a massive flop after following this up with only one in the 2024/25 Premier League season until mid-January.
However, he has scored five in his last seven league games, including the aforementioned draw against Liverpool. Kilbane spoke of how impressed he has been.
“Beto impressed me a few years ago. I liked what he was doing and was unlucky with chances he had. He couldn’t find goals in the early days. The Everton fans took to him, because of his efforts.
“But now he is full of confidence and he does need more support, but he will get that under Moyes as David will get his team to attack more, and this will help Beto. You only have to look at players in Moyes first spell who got forward well.
“Starting from the full back positions, they are now getting forward more, so support is coming for Beto.”
The impressive Jake O’Brien
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 26: Jake O'Brien of Everton is challenged by Kevin Schade of Brentford during the
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 26: Jake O'Brien of Everton is challenged by Kevin Schade of Brentford during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Everton FC at Brentford Community Stadium on February 26, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Finally, Jake O'Brien has been another player to step up since the arrival of Moyes.
After a season long stint at Lyon, he joined Everton from the Ligue 1 club for £16.4 million in the summer.
O’Brien struggled for game time before the new year began, with just 34 minutes of game time in the Premier League and two League Cup appearances. It has been an entirely different story in 2025.
Moyes was appointed for his second stint in charge on January 11th. O’Brien has played the full 90 minutes in all but two of the eleven games in all competitions that have since followed, with one of those two being 88 minutes. He has even managed to contribute with two goals in his last three games. Kilbane gave his thoughts on the 23-year old’s impact.
“He’s been immaculate in everything he has done. He won’t do special things, but he has been playing right back, but he is consistently good. Look at comparisons, he is super consistent, like someone like Irwin.
“He looks level-headed, is calm on the ball and I can’t believe he hasn’t played more for Everton. He is a guy you need in your side, given his calm head and looks a perfect Everton player. He is a player I hope stays at Everton for a long time.”