Coleman is in contention to feature against Southampton (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
It's finally here. The last dance at Goodison Park and the Everton men's team. Sunday's clash with Southampton will be the final time the team plays at their home of 133 years. And while it's been confirmed that Goodison will be used by the women's team next season, an emotional day is on the cards in L4.
David Moyes will be desperate to see his team sign off on a high and he has some big decisions to make in terms of selection, both in terms of sentiment and winning the game.
Joe Thomas and Chris Beesley will be in attendance. This is how they would set the Blues up today.
Related Articles
Everton confirm contract decisions as three first-team players set to leave
What Everton supporters must know about Goodison farewell including 'dress code' and show details
Chris Beesley
Seamus Coleman hasn’t started a game since Boxing Day but manager David Moyes admits the club captain’s long service for the club is a factor when it comes to deciding whether to pick Everton’s record Premier League appearance holder for their final fixture at Goodison Park so he can lead out the side against Southampton. “It does come into my thinking”, acknowledged the Blues boss in his pre-match press conference as he confirmed that Coleman will stay next season because “I need him here.”
Despite being 40 by the time next season kicks off, Ashley Young might still be in the squad alongside him, but after being targeted down his side in the 3-1 win at Fulham last time out, Everton’s oldest-ever outfield player makes way for the ‘more youthful’ 36-year-old. Similarly, with thoughts on who is still going to be around when the club relocates to Hill Dickinson Stadium, Moyes’ confirmation that Jake O’Brien “is fit and available,” sees Coleman’s fellow Republic of Ireland international restored at the heart of defence, ahead of Michael Keane who is expected to leave this summer, despite the former Burnley player’s assured display and goal at Craven Cottage.
Following up his wonder strike against Ipswich Town in Goodison’s penultimate fixture, Dwight McNeil’s impressive second half display off the bench in west London sees him restored to the starting line-up ahead of Jack Harrison on the right wing and in an attempt to get more goals in the team, Iliman Ndiaye also comes back in to be deployed in the number 10 role, with Abdoulaye Doucoure dropping deeper into the engine room at James Garner’s expense.
Pickford; Coleman, Mykolenko, O’Brien, Branthwaite; Gueye, Doucoure; McNeil, Ndiaye, Alcaraz; Beto.
Goodbye Goodison Park - Souvenir edition
Everton are soon set to say goodbye to Goodison Park as the Toffees play out their final few matches in their iconic home before moving to their incredible new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
And to celebrate this historic and poignant event, the ECHO has produced this stunning special souvenir edition that no fan can afford to be without as they bid farewell to their iconic and beloved home.
We have delved into the ECHO archives to unearth fascinating stories from the famous ground's past, including how it came to be built in 1892 and where its world-famous name came from.
undefined
Buy now and have it delivered directly to your door. Alternatively you can purchase in most supermarkets, high street retailers and independent newsagents on Merseyside from April 2, 2025.
You can also purchase Goodison's Greatest, our celebration of an era when Everton ruled English football. If you love Everton, you’ll just love this - order your copy today, simply click here!
And that's not all, also available is ParkLife, a a high quality, 312 page publication showcasing 133-years of Goodison history in pictures. Available here. Then there's Farewell to Goodison, celebrating 100 of the best moments at the Grand Old Lady, available to purchase now.
J oe Thomas
There is little room for sentiment and three points is worth an awful lot. Sending Goodison off with a win has to be high on the agenda. For that reason, I would go strong against Southampton. They could be tricky opposition as they showed against Manchester City last week. But a fast start could kill their spirit so I would aim to do just that.
For that reason, Beto starts up top for me. He is in form and is the type of player you’d hate to defend in a game with nothing riding on it for your side.
I would keep Carlos Alcaraz in the central attacking role he played so well last week and start with Iliman Ndiaye on the left. Dwight McNeil would go on my right. I’m unsure of him in that position but I’d take another look plus I’m desperate for his set piece ability to be on the pitch.
I would play Abdoulaye Doucoure and Idrissa Gueye in front of the defence. This has the potential to be their last games at Goodison but I would start them for their energy and industry.
On the left, Vitalii Mykolenko keeps his place and in the middle I would bring back Jake O’Brien alongside Jarrad Branthwaite. Michael Keane was excellent last week but O’Brien needs more experience at centre back in the Premier League as David Moyes assesses his squad.
Even though he is set to stay on, Seamus Coleman HAS to lead the team out.
Pickford; Mykolenko, Branthwaite, O’Brien, Coleman; Gueye, Doucoure; Ndiaye, Alcaraz, McNeil; Beto