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 Premier League match at West Ham United on Saturday. The Blues boss will be with us at 1.30pm.
The match marks Moyes’ first return to his former club - and it’s a big one. West Ham desperately need the points in their fight against relegation while Everton also badly need victory in the battle for European football.
Moyes’ men suffered a sickening blow in pursuit of that last weekend when they suffered a last-gasp 2-1 home loss to Liverpool in the first-ever Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
And it was a loss that came at a cost with the Blues’ goalscorer, Beto, coming off with a knock that is hoped won’t rule the striker out of the trip to the London Stadium.
But definitely missing will be Jarrad Branthwaite after he was stretchered off with a hamstring injury.
Expect Moyes to be quizzed on the latest on Branthwaite, Beto and all the team news.
Joe Thomas is at Finch Farm to bring you live updates.
As you’ll no doubt be aware, Michael Keane has been rewarded for a strong season by being handed a new one-year contract.
Keane is likely to be the player to replace Jarrad Branthwaite in Everton’s starting line-up on Saturday and David Moyes is likely to be asked about the defender at this afternoon’s press conference.
But here’s what the Blues boss had to say after Keane’s deal was announced yesterday: “We’re pleased to have extended Michael’s long service at Everton.
“He is an experienced and respected member of the squad, who knows the standards we expect at the club.
“Michael has been consistent all season and he’ll continue to be a valuable part of our squad going into next season.”
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 27: Everton Manager David Moyes & Michael Keane of Everton applaud the fans at the end of the Premier League match between Burnley and Everton at Turf Moor on December 27, 2025 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images)
David Moyes and Michael Keane applaud the travelling Evertonians after the 0-0 draw at Burnley(Image: Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images)
While Everton will be without Jarrad Branthwaite and Jack Grealish, and could have doubts over Beto, West Ham United have a full strength squad to choose from.
Joe Thomas, who will be providing live coverage from Finch Farm this afternoon, has the latest from the Hammers camp HERE.
We know that Jarrad Branthwaite is extremely unlikely to play again this season. He will be a huge miss, as was evidenced by the fact that Virgil van Dijk’s winner for Liverpool last weekend came after the centre-back was stretchered off.
But I actually believe Beto’s departure, earlier on in the half, was an even bigger blow.
Not for the first time in Merseyside derbies, he gave Van Dijk and, in particular, Ibrahima Konate, a very tough time, but I just wonder if the striker was still on the field he would have prevented the winning goal.
Until his withdrawal, he was excellent in heading away set-pieces at the near post.
Fingers crossed Beto is fit to face West Ham United.
And welcome to our live coverage of David Moyes’ press conference to preview Everton’s crucial Premier League clash at West Ham United on Saturday.
The Blues boss will be with us at 1.30pm.
We won’t stew over what happened last weekend. But there’s no doubt the devastating late derby loss to Liverpool has made life difficult for Everton when it comes to qualifying for Europe.
But a win at a relegation-threatened West Ham side desperate for points themselves could change all of that.
A victory for the Blues at the London Stadium would move them up to seventh and level on points with sixth-placed Brighton regardless of results elsewhere.