Moyes makes Michael Keane mistake

Moyes has made two changes in defence, with Ashley Young and Michael Keane coming in for Nathan Patterson and Jake O’Brien.

Meanwhile, Abdoulaye Doucoure has returned to the starting line-up after missing the game against Ipswich due to personal reasons.

This means Iliman Ndiaye has dropped to the bench, with Dwight McNeil also being axed by the Goodison Park outfit.

With McNeil named on the bench, Harrison has taken his place in Everton’s attack.

It is worth noting that Young, Keane, Doucoure and Harrison face uncertain futures with the Merseyside-based club ahead of the summer.

Young, Keane and Doucoure have their contracts expiring at the end of the season, while Harrison is due to return to Leeds when his loan deal runs out.

Therefore, it appears Moyes is happy to let those players have a farewell run before leaving the Toffees.

However, it might not be wise of the Scottish tactician to do that, especially as he could be using this opportunity to prepare for next season.

He would have been better off starting O’Brien alongside Jarrad Branthwaite, so that they could get comfortable playing together as a centre-back pairing.

This is why Moyes could soon regret starting Keane against Fulham.

Everton XI v Fulham

Jordan Pickford remains in goal, with Young, Keane, Branthwaite and Vitalii Mykolenko forming the back four.

Meanwhile, Idrissa Gueye and James Garner play in a double pivot in midfield, providing ample protection to the backline.

Doucoure starts in an advanced midfield role, with Harrison and Carlos Alcaraz providing the width.

Lastly, Beto leads the line for Moyes’ side, despite being linked with a surprise move to Leeds United this week.

Kinnear thinks Everton-linked star is ‘world class’ amid Merseyside transfer talk

Everton are set to appoint Angus Kinnear as their new CEO this summer, and he may have a say in one potential signing.

Kinnear will join from Leeds United, who have also just achieved promotion to the Premier League, and he may look to bring some players with him.

Everton will have a lot of work to do this summer in the transfer market as several players are currently set to leave when their contracts expire at the end of the season.

A defender could be on the agenda, and Kinnear could help Everton pull off a masterstroke of a signing.

Kinnear could help Everton sign Junior Firpo from Leeds

Everton have been linked with a move for Leeds left-back Junior Firpo, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Firpo has been outstanding for Leeds this season, recording 10 assists from left-back as a crucial component in their Championship-winning side.

It has been reported by Everton News (9 May) that Kinnear’s knowledge of Firpo could see him push for a move for the defender, who is also wanted by other clubs including Barcelona.

Kinnear has previously labelled Firpo as “world-class,” having initially brought him to Leeds in the summer of 2021.

“I think we have a world-class left-back, who was hugely highly regarded before he signed for Barcelona,” he stated via HITC in August 2021.

“I don’t think Barcelona worked out in the way he would have hoped. But he’s been a brilliant addition already in terms of behind the scenes. A fantastic professional who works really hard, and is totally behind the ethos.”

Firpo can add extra dimension to Everton attack

If Firpo is to join, he will add a profile of defender Everton are currently lacking, as someone who can make an impact going forward.

Vitaliy Mykolenko is currently the first-choice left-back option, but he has provided just one assist all season, as a more defensive full-back.

Having an attacking left-back would help Everton’s wingers on the overlap, and would help whoever is at centre-forward, with additional creativity and crossing in the side.

If Firpo is willing to join Everton ahead of other interested clubs, he could be a superb signing to kick off Kinnear’s reign as CEO in Merseyside.