Everton return to Premier League action on Sunday when they face Hull City at the MKM Stadium, with the Blues still unbeaten in the league and sitting seventh in the table. David Moyes' side have not played a competitive game since beating Ipswich Town on Saturday, September 19.
Hull, managed by Sergej Jakirovic, are one place behind Everton after an impressive start to life in the top-flight. The Tigers have already defeated Manchester United and drawn with Chelsea, and they remain unbeaten at home. Kieran Dowell and Tim Iroegbunam, both former Everton players, are in the Hull squad.
International break verdict
Writing in the latest Everton jury, Paul McParlan said the three-week break without an Everton game had been far too long, and he questioned the scheduling of international fixtures so close to the end of the World Cup. He noted that since the 25/26 campaign ended, there have been close to ten weeks of international football and only five weeks of club competition.
McParlan added that no Everton players appear to have picked up serious injuries while away, meaning Moyes may have a fully fit squad to choose from, and Christian Norgaard might even feature. He highlighted a demanding run of fixtures ahead, including five Premier League games and a Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle United before the next international break.
He pointed out that Everton have not won any of their last seven away fixtures since a 3-2 victory at Newcastle United on 28 February, and said this needs to change if the club are to challenge for European places. He also mentioned the loss of Iliman Ndiaye as a blow, but noted the addition of pace to the team and the versatility of Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Branthwaite's England claim
James Kellett assessed Jarrad Branthwaite's recent return to the England squad. The defender has played the full 90 minutes in each of Everton's first five league matches this season, and Thomas Tuchel recalled him to the national team, where he earned two more caps in brief cameos against Spain and Czechia.
Branthwaite's appearance in England's 3-2 defeat against Spain was his first for his nation since a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina in June 2024, and his first under Tuchel. During the recent international break, Tuchel used three different centre-back combinations, with Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Trevoh Chalobah and Jarrell Quansah all starting at least once.
Kellett noted that Branthwaite was the only natural left-footed defender in Tuchel's most recent squad, which could make him an attractive option on the left side of a back two, both defensively and as an attacking outlet. He concluded that Branthwaite's fitness and confidence in possession are making inroads into the national side, and he may soon push for a regular starting spot.
Selection and expectations
Mark McParlan said the extended international break had been painful, with the only solace being Jordan Pickford's two clean sheets for England, taking his tally for club and country to seven in nine matches. He also noted that all three Everton players finished the game against the Czech Republic.
He raised the question of who would fill in at left-back if Vitalii Mykolenko is judged unfit to start, and said three points at Hull would put Everton in a commanding position. He pointed to tougher fixtures ahead against Chelsea and Newcastle, and expressed hope that the unbeaten run continues.
McParlan also said the summer transfer window debacle has seemingly put Moyes in a stronger, more assured position, with fans placing less personal pressure on him.
