Before The Whistle: Everton v Fulham

And just like that, the Premier League’s back.

It will come as welcome relief to us all, after a summer of Saudi discontent. But we arrive at the starting line of another top flight campaign with the three objects of Middle Eastern affection still at the club.

But there are varying levels of satisfaction about the resolution to these love stories among the trio. Marco Silva will be in the dugout, Willian will likely start on the left wing, but Mitro will probably have to settle for a place on the bench, having started pre-season later than his teammates.

That presents an opportunity for one of Carlos Vinicius or new signing Raul Jimenez. With the latter getting off the mark last weekend, I’d expect the Mexican to get the nod. Siiii Senior.

Elsewhere in the starting XI, Calvin Bassey will probably partner Issa Diop in the centre of defence. Tim Ream made a welcome return late on against Hoffenheim, but you’d imagine he’s still a way off full fitness.

On the right, Tete and Wilson are all set to continue their flourishing partnership, with our Welsh wizard winger getting better and better following his return from his long-term injury.

And with Joao Palhinha still out with a shoulder issue, Lukic and Reed will look to deepen their own understanding in the centre of the park, while the ever-versatile Bobby De Cordova-Reid looks set to retain his spot in the 10, with Silva saying Pereira is a doubt.

We’re in the strange position of having won our previous two trips to Goodison Park, having previously not picked up so much as a single point since 1959. With Everton regrouping and going back to basics under Sean Dyche, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether we can continue our Merseyside resurgence. There’s only one way to find out. You Whites.

ℹ️ MATCH DETAILS

Kick-Off: Saturday, 3:00PM
Stadium: Goodison Park
Competition: Premier League
TV Channel (UK): None

🚦 PRE-SEASON FORM

Everton: ✅ ✅⬜⬜✅✅
Fulham: ✅❌ ❌✅

⚖️ MATCH PROBABILITY

Everton: 35.2%
Draw: 29.9%
Fulham: 34.9%

🥊 MOST RECENT MATCHES

Apr 23: Everton 1-3 Fulham
Oct 22: Fulham 0-0 Everton
Feb 21: Everton 0-2 Fulham
Nov 20: Fulham 2-3 Everton

🎙 NEW PODCAST: 23/24 Season Preview

We take a look at the threat that Everton might pose, and then offer our pre-season predictions for how Fulham and the rest of the league may fare.

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