The transfer window may be taking up most of the headlines, but Everton have a game to focus on ahead of the weekend.
David Moyes cannot be impressed with the form he has seen from his side over recent months, having won just two of their last nine games.
A number of players were unavailable for Everton during that period, which is why the January window offered such a big opportunity.
Frustratingly for many fans, Everton will be refereed by Chris Kavanagh this weekend against Brighton & Hove Albion.
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There are some positives, though, with the Blues having been considerably better on the road this season.
With Everton’s form at the Hill Dickinson Stadium having been so poor over recent weeks, Ian Wright has shared his verdict on the underwhelming results on the docks.
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Ian Wright issues Hill Dickinson Stadium answer at Everton
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke was wowed by Everton’s new stadium earlier this week during the draw at the Hill Dickinson.
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Unfortunately for Everton, it has proven to be a nice away game for a lot of clubs over recent months after their early form has faded.
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Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Wright has admitted he thinks there’s a reason behind the poor home form.
“It’s the Hill Dickinson, they’re just not used to it yet,” said the former Arsenal striker.
This came around as the panel were predicting the result for this weekend’s game against Brighton, with Roy Keane and Wright expecting a 1-1 draw.
“It could be anything,” said Keane before rejecting the suggestion Brighton will win: “No, Everton David Moyes,” he replied.
After the game on Monday night, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink urged Everton fans to make the stadium more intimidating for opposing sides.
Fortunately, the Blues have fared better on the road.
Everton must improve their home form to qualify for Europe
Moyes set the ambitious target of Europe for Everton over the summer, but it remains a real possibility for the Blues.
The past seven or eight weeks have been poor in terms of results, and still Everton find themselves just three points off sixth-placed Liverpool.
If the Toffees’ home form does not improve then Everton won’t stand much of a chance in qualifying for one of the European competitions.
However, players are returning to Moyes’ disposal and the fans will be hoping for a turnaround in results.
Perhaps the quiet January window is a sign of the club’s faith in the players they already have.
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