adminEverton welcome Leeds United to the Hill Dickinson Stadium tonight in a Premier League clash that could mark a farewell moment for several players.
David Moyes will be aiming to carry the momentum from his impressive victory over Aston Villa, but he faces a stern challenge against a Leeds side revitalised under Daniel Farke. The German coach appeared close to trouble not long ago, yet a tactical reshuffle has helped Leeds find form and produce positive results.
Adding extra intrigue to the occasion is the return of Dominic Calvert-Lewin to Merseyside. The striker is set to face Everton for the first time since departing on a free transfer, and he has already admitted it will be an unusual experience lining up against his former club — one he will be eager to make memorable with a goal.
Tonight’s fixture is Everton’s final home match before the January transfer window closes. While they do have another league game against Brighton before the deadline, that contest will take place at the Amex Stadium. With speculation swirling, this match could represent a last outing at Hill Dickinson Stadium for a number of players.
One such name is Beto, who has been consistently linked with a move away from Everton due to his struggles to find regular form. Although the Guinea-Bissau international enjoyed a promising spell shortly after Moyes’ return last season, he has failed to kick on this campaign, managing just two league goals so far.
That modest return has fuelled rumours of a potential January exit, with reported interest from clubs in Turkey and Italy. Everton’s ongoing hunt for a new striker has only strengthened suggestions that Beto’s time at the club may be drawing to a close. As such, tonight could be his final appearance in Everton blue at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Armstrong, meanwhile, is expected to feature again at the stadium after the Leeds match, but there is still a chance this could be his last home appearance of the season. Moyes has previously spoken about the possibility of sending him back on loan to Preston, a stance he has reiterated recently — although Armstrong’s strong performances have made the decision less straightforward.
The Everton boss is keen to ensure the youngster continues to get regular minutes, rather than being left on the bench, when he could be starting week in, week out in the Championship. Should this prove to be Armstrong’s final Hill Dickinson Stadium outing this season, he can take plenty of pride from his displays and confidence from the knowledge that he is firmly in Moyes’ plans for the future.
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