David Moyes is set to hold his latest Everton press conference at Finch Farm at 1.30pm to preview Saturday's Premier League match against Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The central question for the manager is whether left-back Vitalii Mykolenko is fit to start after missing last Sunday's 2-2 draw at Hull City with an injury sustained while on international duty with Ukraine.
Mykolenko's Fitness and Defensive Adjustments
Mykolenko's absence at Hull forced Everton to move centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite to left-back, a switch that left the defence, which had previously kept three consecutive clean sheets, looking less comfortable. If Mykolenko is sidelined again, Moyes, who has led Everton to an eight-match unbeaten start to the season, may be asked whether he plans to keep Branthwaite in that role or use another player.
As it stands, Everton appear to have a fully fit squad for the Chelsea match barring Mykolenko, who also missed Ukraine's final three of four Nations League matches during the international break. With Mykolenko the club's only specialist left-back in a thin squad, his return would be significant.
Chelsea Clash and Season Expectations
The press conference is also expected to cover Chelsea, who sit level on points with Everton in the top six ahead of the Saturday dinnertime kick-off. Everton are unbeaten in six Premier League matches, winning two and drawing four, and have progressed to the last-16 of the Carabao Cup.
Unlike last week, when Moyes' press conference clashed with Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola's, the media room at Finch Farm is expected to be full. Chris Beesley will be among the written journalists interviewing Moyes in an embargoed section after the open part of the press conference.
