Everton’s return to Premier League action against Hull City on Saturday presents David Moyes with a delicate squad selection puzzle, compounded by a trio of fitness uncertainties that could reshape his starting XI. Jordan Pickford, the £5.5m signing from the World Cup, has already made his first appearance since the tournament in a friendly draw with Lille, suggesting he’ll be ready to reclaim his place in goal—though the competition for the starting spot remains fierce, with Christian Norgaard (£5m from Arsenal) still untested in a Premier League match. Meanwhile, the fitness of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, both of whom battled injuries during England’s Euro 2024 campaign, will be closely monitored. While neither is expected to require an extended layoff, their readiness for Saturday’s fixture will determine whether Moyes can deploy his midfield trio in their usual formation.
The biggest question mark, however, surrounds Idrissa Gueye, who missed Everton’s last match due to injury. Moyes has been coy about his availability, stating there’s a ‘50/50 chance’ he’ll be fit for the Hull City game—a blunt assessment that underscores the unpredictability of his recovery. If Gueye is unavailable, Moyes may turn to Dwight McNeil, Tyrique George, or Thierno Barry for cover, though none offer the same defensive stability. The backline, too, could see adjustments, with Merlin Rohl’s lone goal against Sunderland last weekend proving that Everton’s attack remains capable of scoring—but only if the defensive structure holds firm. With Hull City’s resilient defense under pressure, Moyes will need to balance experience with youth, particularly if he opts to rotate players like McNeil or George in a bid to refresh the squad ahead of the season’s demands.
Beyond the immediate squad concerns, Moyes faces the broader challenge of integrating new signings like Norgaard into a team that has struggled for consistency this season. The £5m left-back’s lack of Premier League experience adds another layer of uncertainty, forcing Moyes to consider alternatives like Jaouen Hadjam or Olivier Boscagli if Hull City’s full-backs push high. The absence of key defenders like Kaoru Mitoma (ankle) and Yankuba Minteh (injury) further complicates the defensive options, with Georginio Rutter’s return from injury a longshot. Even if Mitoma and Minteh are fit, their roles may be secondary to the young talents Moyes has been developing, such as Promise David, who could earn his first Premier League start.
The Hull City game is not just a test of fitness but a litmus test for Moyes’ tactical approach as Everton prepares for a season where survival hangs in the balance. With the Toffees having lost three of their last four Premier League matches, the pressure is on to secure a result that signals a turnaround. Moyes’ ability to navigate these uncertainties—whether it’s Pickford’s readiness, Gueye’s return, or the deployment of youngsters like McNeil—will dictate whether Everton can break their recent slump or if another difficult stretch lies ahead. One thing is certain: the squad’s shape on Saturday will set the tone for the weeks to come, and Moyes will leave nothing to chance in his preparations.
