Evertonians will probably be relieved to focus on matters on the pitch after the fallout from Monday’s transfer deadline.
Tyrique George was an exciting new arrival from Chelsea, but it was the non-transfer of Dwight McNeil to Crystal Palace that made most of the headlines (the failure to sign a right-back is now par for the course, to the extent where I’m not sure they will ever sign one again).
We may never know the exact details, but it appears Everton did everything at their end to facilitate the transfer,
only for Palace to either back out or fail to get the paperwork submitted in time.
The emotional Instagram post by McNeil’s partner the following day is a reminder that there are human beings behind the razzmatazz of football who can be negatively impacted, even with their considerable wealth.
Most Evertonians on social media felt the move suited both club and player – though some made that point more politely than others (to put it mildly). But with McNeil staying until at least the end of the season, the supporters have a responsibility to get behind him.
The former Burnley player has become a bit of a lightning rod for fans’ frustrations, not helped by his now infamous failure to track back against Leeds, which lead to their goal. However, he is far from a Premier League dud and is more than capable of contributing between now and the end of the season. Though he has struggled at times this season McNeil made some crucial contributions during the previous three campaigns which helped keep the club’s head above water.
This saga may yet prove to be a turning point in his career, even if he eventually moves on from the Toffees this summer.
The opposition
In a tightly packed Premier League table, Fulham have flown under the radar a bit and will feel they are in contention for a European spot.
The Cottagers are only above Everton on goals scored and are just six points off fifth place. Eighth – which could bring Conference League football next season – is only two points away.
Is there such a thing as a mid-table six-pointer?
That gap would have been just one point had they held on for a draw at Old Trafford last week, instead conceding a 94th-minute goal just two minutes after hauling themselves level.
Home is definitely where the heart is for Marco Silva’s side. They have won seven, drawn two and lost just three of their 12 league games at home, with two of those defeats coming against Arsenal and Manchester City.
A key player is likely to be Harry Wilson, who has eight goals and four assists this season. A cynic might say he is performing like a player who will be a free agent in the summer and – at 29 next month – is eyeing one final big contract. Or it could be that he is finally reaching the peak of his powers – I’ll let you decide.
Everton reportedly showed an interest during the transfer window but were not willing to meet Fulham’s valuation of the Wales international, who looks likely to leave on a free transfer.
For years this fixture traditionally favoured the home side, to the point where the teams could have just shaken hands on a mutual three points each season. But the trend has flipped in recent years and Fulham have yet to beat Everton at the Cottage since they were promoted back to the top flight in 2020.
Previous meeting
Everton 2–0 Fulham, 8 November 2025
A rare Saturday 3pm home game for Everton back in November, as they came away with all three points.
Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane scored to secure the win, although the scoreline arguably should have been more emphatic, with the Toffees having three goals disallowed.
Team news
Vitaly Mykolenko has resumed training and is in contention to return after missing last weekend’s draw at Brighton. Jarrad Branthwaite filled in at left-back showed no ill-affects after his first start of the season, leaving David Moyes with a decision to make.
Tyrique George is available and trained with his new team-mates this week, but is likely to be on the bench.
Final word
Everton’s away record is excellent, so they should go into every road game believing they can get something out of it. I successfully predicted a score draw last week (just), and I think it could finish the same way this time.
