Image source, Getty ImagesIt's still all to play for in Everton's four remaining Premier League games.
The permutations for getting into Europe this season are complex, but BBC Sport's Dale Johnson has broken them down here.
Do you think Hill Dickinson Stadium will host European football next season? If so, why are you confident? If not, what can take the club on to that next step?
The latest news and views on the Blues in two minutes, every weekday afternoon.
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EFC Daily: 'What is the point of VAR?'
Briony Bragg
Fan writer
Image source, ReutersIn the 84th minute of Everton's game against West Ham the Premier League match centre confirmed it.
The explanation was: "The referee's call of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Mateus Fernandes accidentally handled the ball while grappling with the opponent."
An interesting take, given at the start of the 2025-26 season it was stated Premier League referees were likely to award more penalties in a tougher response to players who grapple and hold opponents in the penalty area, with VAR expressly instructed to be more proactive to intervene against 'non-footballing' action.
I've seen some terrible handball decisions not given for Everton in my time (honourable mention for Rodri at Goodison Park in 2022) but this was right up there. Not only does the 'grappling' involve Fernandes wrapping both arms around Everton's striker to pull him away from the ball, he also then attempts to play a different sport, slapping it with his hand.
Given the importance of the game to not only Everton's European ambitions, but to all teams in the relegation battle, it really prompts the question – what is the point of VAR any more?
Time and time again the officials can't get decisions right and it is killing any spontaneity in the grounds. It was a struggle to celebrate the second time Everton put the ball in the net in the Merseyside derby for fear it was about to get chalked off.
A recent survey by the Football Supporter's Association found three-quarters of those fans surveyed were against the use of VAR. It feels increasingly fair to say it persistently fails to uphold its own standards while draining our beloved game of any raw, unfiltered emotion. A system designed to bring clarity is instead undermining trust. In the end, it has become less a tool for justice and more a source of confusion and frustration.
Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent
Image source, Getty ImagesAs the battle for places in Europe hots up in the Premier League, the race to shuffle papers to satisfy Uefa's bureaucrats has been just as intense.
This is because European football's governing body has strict multi-club ownership (MCO) rules.
Those rules could cause a team to be demoted from one competition to another, like Crystal Palace were from the Europa League to the Conference League last season, or miss out on Europe altogether.
Half of the Premier League clubs are now in some form of multi-club arrangement.
The link between Everton and Roma is not too well known, but it could yet be the most compelling story.
The Toffees are 11th in the Premier League, but only three points off sixth. As it stands, sixth earns Europa League football.
In Serie A, Roma are level on points with fifth-placed Como, which would also come with a spot in the Europa League.
The two clubs are owned by the Friedkin Group through subsidiary entities.
Everton are controlled by Roundhouse Capital Holdings Limited, and Roma under Romulus and Remus Investments.
The two people with significant control in Roundhouse Capital Holdings are Analaura Moreira-Dunkel and Marcus Watts - high-ranking officials in the Friedkin Group.
They are also on the Everton board and were associated with Roma in the years immediately after the takeover but no longer have an identifiable role at the Italian club.
Everton's issue could be that US billionaire Dan Friedkin is both their chairman and president of Roma. Friedkin is also the 'person of significant control' at Pursuit Sports UK, an umbrella group for sports operations.
Uefa's definition of "control", "decisive influence" and "shared decision-making" is broad.
Everton will have to prove there is no risk or appearance of involvement by Friedkin in both clubs.
The club are confident that they have a solution, but are not saying what that is.
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between West Ham and Everton.
Here are some of your comments:
West Ham fans
Gary: What a tense game for the West Ham fans! At times we we brilliant in defence and attack but still give the ball away far too much. Keep fighting!
Bubba: Catenaccio just does not work in the modern Premier League. We should not have gone into defensive mode at 80 minutes. That tactical shift almost undid a fantastic effort from the team. On the other hand, we won and, if I am such a good manager, why am I not standing on the touchline? So good on you, Nuno!
Tricky Tev: Still looked like we struggle to hold on to a lead. We need Nuno to be more decisive in his substitutions and for us not to play too deep. Some standout individual performances again, however. Soucek looked fresher and added an extra dimension. Mavrapanos (who I have long been critical of) and Disasi have been solid for the past six games or so. Let's hope that Brentford are 'on the beach' for our next game.
John: The players got that result, not Nuno. He was far too negative and their equaliser was always coming. Sat back far too deep. If we survive then it's the players who deserve the credit not this negative Nelly. Come on, you Irons.
Everton fans
Jameson: Incredibly frustrating performance. McNeil should have been dropped after his mistake and poor performance last game, because he had yet another poor game. Barry was hopeless. O'Brien adds nothing. Even when our better players dragged us back into the game the team was not good enough to deserve any points. Another missed opportunity showing our lack of quality and bravery against a nervous and poor West Ham - with the exception of Summerville, who was top class. Oh and VAR - are you joking? Clearly punches the ball out of play and not even an on-field review.
Marko: It seems the squads capable of playing in European competitions are filtering through now. For Everton, there are huge signs of improvement but too much reliance on that talented few. We need more talent - clearly. A miracle needed to qualify now methinks.
Brian: Just coming to terms with the disappointment of last week and then knocked again. There's just not enough steel, skill and strength to Everton's squad to expect a European place. Better than fighting relegation, but that's about it.
Mark: I need someone to explain why reaching around a player to slap the ball out of play is deemed not to be a penalty. VAR is broken.
Everton have set their sights on 31-year-old Aston Villa and Scotland midfielder John McGinn. (Football Insider), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
Everton manager David Moyes on the decision not to award his side a penalty in their 2-1 defeat at West Ham.
The Blues have picked up one point out of their last three matches.
Listen to the full interview above or on BBC Sounds
Match of the Day pundits Steph Houghton and Martin Keown believe West Ham's Matheus Fernandes was "lucky" to escape giving away a penalty in the Hammers' 2-1 win over Everton.
Pundits Martin Keown and Steph Houghton join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's Premier League fixtures.
And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:
Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, AFP via Getty ImagesIt isn't that long since Everton were in West Ham's position and fighting for Premier League survival - but now they are in the battle to secure European football next season and, particularly for that reason, this will have been a frustrating result.
David Moyes' side have one of the best away records in the Premier League and it looked they would earn a point with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's late strike.
In the end they could not hold on but the visitors will likely feel aggrieved they were not awarded a penalty before the late drama.
Moments before Dewsbury-Hall equalised, the Toffees thought they had a penalty when the ball struck Mateus Fernandes' hand inside the box as he grappled with Thierno Barry. However, nothing was given after a review by the video assistant referee, a decision that left Moyes visibly frustrated.
Despite the loss, Everton are still well-placed in the battle for Europe as they sit three points off sixth with four games remaining.
Everton boss David Moyes speaking to BBC Sport: "I don't think we deserved to lose, that's for sure. Very similar to last week, we played well enough at times and didn't deserve to come away with nothing."
On the decision not to award his side a penalty for an apparent handball: "I'm a bit surprised. I've been to see them [the officials] and VAR are saying it was grappling - well, the boy marking him was grappling. He punched the ball. It would have been harsh, but I'm amazed they haven't given it.
"If any team was going to go and win it, it was probably us. We just didn't do well enough at the end."
Did you know?
Everton have lost back-to-back Premier League games due to a goal scored in the 90th minute or later (also 1-2 vs Liverpool) for the second time, after losses to Newcastle United and Liverpool in October 2007 during David Moyes' first spell.
Everton's James Tarkowski received his 70th yellow card in the Premier League, the same number as Jamie Carragher – the only defenders to be brandished more in the competition are Phil Bardsley (79) and Richard Dunne (74).
Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.
Have your say on West Ham's performance
What did you make of Everton's display?
Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies
West Ham are unchanged for the third successive game, as Tomas Soucek makes his 200th Premier League start.
West Ham XI: Hermansen, Walker-Peters, Mavropanos, Disasi, Diouf, Fernandes, Soucek, Bowen, Summerville, Pablo, Taty.
Subs: Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Scarles, Todibo, Potts, Magassa, Kanté, Adama, Wilson
There are two changes for Everton as Thierno Barry and Michael Keane come in.
They come in for Beto (concussion) and Jarrad Branthwaite, who is out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury.
Everton XI: Pickford, O'Brien, Tarkowski (c), Keane, Mykolenko, Garner, Gana, McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Barry.
Subs: Travers, Patterson, George, Dibling, Coleman, Alcaraz, Rohl, Iroegbunam, Armstrong
There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.
Fulham v Aston Villa (12:30)
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
West Ham v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
Wolves v Tottenham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Arsenal v Newcastle (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated
Follow all of the action and reaction here
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Arsenal v Newcastle", for instance.
Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds
What a great game this will be, with Everton boss David Moyes going back to his old club.
We know how big a win would be for West Ham in their relegation fight but I was impressed by Everton against Liverpool, especially Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's performance.
I thought the Hammers' point at Palace last time out was a decent result but the pressure is still on them to win this one at home.
I am expecting West Ham to play with the kind of intensity that is required but Everton can be a tough nut to crack.
It finished 1-1 when these two sides met earlier in the season and this smells of another draw to me.
Sutton's prediction: 1-1
Prudent Nsengiyumva
BBC Sport journalist
West Ham United host Everton on Saturday (15:00 BST) with the margins tightening in their battle to stay in the Premier League. Everton arrive with encouragement drawn from a strong away record as they chase European qualification.
Can Nuno guide the Hammers to safety?
Football fortunes can turn quickly. Fewer than three years ago, West Ham were celebrating a first major trophy in 43 years after beating Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final in Prague.
Now, anxiety has replaced optimism as West Ham fight to preserve their top flight status. Nuno Espirito Santo's side earned a valuable point in Monday's goalless draw at Crystal Palace, with the Portuguese coach praising his team's discipline after another clean sheet.
There are signs of resilience at the London Stadium too. West Ham are unbeaten in five home league matches and have kept two clean sheets in their past three there, following a long spell where defensive solidity proved hard to find.
Former boss to dent Hammers' survival hopes?
Everton, under former West Ham manager David Moyes, are pushing for European football for the first time since 2017-18.
Their away form has been a consistent strength this season. They have picked up 25 points on the road in the league this term (W7 D4 L5) — their strongest away tally across a season since 2020-21, when they collected 37.
Nine Premier League visits to London Stadium have yielded three wins, three draws and three defeats.
A trump card for the Toffees could be striker Beto. He has been lethal in the Premier League in 2026, finding the net seven times from just 19 efforts – an incredible 37% success rate – scoring every 81 minutes.
Previously, he managed 12 goals from 111 shots, converting only 11% and scoring at a rate of one every 271 minutes.
Giulia Bould
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter
The likelihood of Everton academy youngster Braiden Graham being involved with the first team has been the subject of several questions sent in via our Everton 'Ask Me Anything' form.
If I had a pound for every time I am asked about Graham right now, I would be very rich! For those who haven't heard of him, he is the 18-year-old forward making headlines in Everton's academy.
Last Friday evening the Northern Irish teenager scored four goals at Goodison Park and bagged an assist as the Toffees under-21 side convincingly beat Ipswich and it left supporters wondering if he could now step up to the senior side. The Merseyside derby followed 48 hours later and substitute Thierno Barry's lacklustre showing up front - as he failed to register a shot on target - was being debated among fans for a different reason.
So, could Graham push for a place in David Moyes' squad in the final five games?
His under-21 coach Paul Tait thinks he can offer something and heaped praised on him by explaining: "If you've got a front player who can come and link it to feet and go in behind, then you've got a good front player."
However, when I asked Moyes about Graham in January, he told me: "Braiden is doing well. We need him to build up his physicality and speed, all those things that come from stepping up to the Premier League."
Graham's form in the youth set-up has led to discussions on a chicken and egg situation. Would the forward now be best getting a chance off the bench to see how he holds his own in order to build his physical strength?
Should this happen it would need some patience from fans because he is so young and untested. The closest to the senior side the teenager has got so far was being an unused substitute in the FA Cup defeat by Sunderland.
It will be fairly obvious on Friday night if he's been given the chance to be part of the squad for Saturday's trip to West Ham. Everton's under-21s are in action again, so if there's no Braiden Graham on the teamsheet it could signify he has done enough to make Moyes think he's worth a shot.
Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.
We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.
Send us your questions about Everton here and we will put them to our experts
Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist
Everton boss David Moyes has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against West Ham United at the London Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
There was only one fresh injury to report with Beto ruled out due to concussion.
When asked if Beto's absence could make way for Thierno Barry, he replied: "That's if I choose to play him. I've got other people that I think could do it, so I could consider them." The striker hasn't scored in his past five appearances, but Moyes refused to reveal who else he might have up his sleeve for Saturday's game.
Jarrad Branthwaite is "feeling much better" after learning that the hamstring injury he sustained in the Merseyside derby "isn't in the same area" to a previously operated on hamstring issue. However, the club is concerned about the recurring nature of his injuries.
On this match being his 750th game as a Premier League manager: "I'm a bit closer [to Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger's record] than I thought actually... I've always said I don't want to be too grey or too fat on the touchline, and I'm starting to become both now so that's a problem."
Moyes added: "I'm enjoying football still and the players keep me young, so as long as I can keep up the energy then I'm happy to keep going." However, there have "certainly not been any talks" about a fresh managerial contract for him.
He is "back to not talking about" the club's European hopes after "letting an opportunity go" in the 2-1 defeat by Liverpool last time out. He explained: "It looks a long way off right now, doesn't it? Things can change, but when it actually changes that's when we'll start talking about it again."
West Ham are "still fighting for everything this season and certainly shouldn't be going into the Championship", but he admitted the Premier League is "unforgiving".
When asked where things have gone wrong at his former club, he explained: "If you're not quite at it in terms of recruiting right or spending enough, then you could find yourself in that position every year. I don't believe chopping and changing managers is helping the club or the players. For me, the club needs to look at itself a little bit and do a better job."
Defender Michael Keane "certainly deserves" his one-year contract extension after being "brave enough to want to take the challenge on and show what he can do" this season.
There will also be more to come on Idrissa Gana Gueye and Seamus Coleman's contracts "in the weeks to come".
Listen to full commentary of West Ham United v Everton from 14:55 BST on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Got a question about Everton? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts
Image source, Getty ImagesAfter the news that Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is unlikely to play again this season after sustaining a hamstring injury in last weekend's Merseyside derby defeat, BBC Sport has spoken to sports physiotherapist Ben Warburton to discuss what the recovery process will look like.
Branthwaite missed the first five months of the season - having hamstring surgery in October - and returned to the side in January.
However, his latest injury is unrelated and a scan shows he does not require an operation, Everton have confirmed.
"It's far from ideal that Branthwaite is getting repetitive hamstring issues and there is a slight cause for concern," Warburton explained.
"However, I've dealt with sports players myself where they have an inconsistent couple of seasons with either a repetitive hamstring or calf injury, then after extensive rehab and thorough investigations they have come out the other side.
"I'm sure he'll now have time on his side over the off-season and pre-season to get his hamstring as robust as possible.
"I am sure they will be looking to restore any strength deficits as well as 'rate of force development' deficits (how quickly you can contract a muscle).
"However, it's not all about strength or how quickly you can activate. They will be looking at his acceleration and running gait to check his biomechanics, as well as keeping his acceleration and high speed/sprint metres consistent week-to-week in order to avoid any potential increase in training and running demands.
"I have heard Everton have very good physios so I'm sure they're doing all they can."
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on Michael Keane signing a new contract, which will extend his stay at Hill Dickinson Stadium until June 2027.
Here are some of your comments:
Terence: In reality, he's been the best signing as far as the defence is concerned. I'll admit to being a doubter over him this time last year, but I'm happy he's staying.
Jeff: Absolute no-brainer to give Keane another year. Always gives 100% and chips in with goals. Doesn't throw his toys out if not playing - a good, solid professional who can be a BIG part of what David Moyes is building for us.
Tony: The one-year contract extension for Keane is the right move for both player and club, even more so with Jarrad Branthwaite's ongoing injury issues. He has been consistent this season and always poses a threat from set-pieces, especially when he is pushed forward to grab us a late equaliser or winner.
D Bennett: At the end of last season, I was more than happy to see him go, but he's certainly earned his extension this time. I wasn't too enthusiastic when he was called in to cover Branthwaite in August, but he proved me wrong. He's put in numerous solid performances and deserves another season. Well done, Keano.
Richard: It's a sensible move. It's a big transfer window coming up this summer for Everton, so it's about getting the low-hanging fruit done now.
Chris: Keano has had his critics over the years, but he's been immense this season and totally deserves another year.
Kenny: Yes, a great servant to the club and stepped up when needed this season. I'd have had him playing up front months ago.
Allison: Yes, on balance, he deserves a new contract. He is a good guy who really wants the best for Everton. He is also dependable when he really needs to be. Hopefully he can win something quite soon.
Image source, Getty ImagesMichael Keane says reaching 10 years of service at Everton will be "a big achievement" after signing a new contract to extend his stay at the club until June 2027.
The 33-year-old centre-back's current deal was set to expire at the end of this season but he has proved a key component in David Moyes' rebuild, having made 30 appearances in all competitions this term.
Keane has made 259 appearances and netted 19 goals for the Toffees to date, having signed from Burnley in July 2017.
"I'm really happy," he told club media after penning his new deal. "The club means a lot to me. It's one of those things that's easy to say, but it has become part of me.
"It's who I am and it feels like family to me - the people around the club, the fans, the players and the staff. I couldn't really imagine my life without Everton.
"It has been a great season for me personally. I've played a lot of football - probably more than I expected - and I feel like I've done well and I've absolutely loved it, so to get my 10th year here is a big achievement.
"I didn't know what was going to happen last summer. I didn't know where I was going to end up. I'm guessing people were doubting me, but I've always had belief in myself.
"So to prove again this season that I am good enough and that I can do it has been really pleasing.
"I've seen a lot here and been through a lot, so it's good that we're now in a much better place than what we have been in the past.
"I go into my 10th season feeling really positive, and thinking about what we can achieve and where we can be is really exciting."
Everton boss David Moyes added: "We are pleased to have extended Michael's long service at Everton. He is an experienced and respected member of the squad, who knows the standards we expect.
"He has been consistent all season and he will continue to be a valuable part of our squad going into next season."
Everton fans, how are you feeling about the news? Does Keane still have a part to play in Moyes' evolving side? How do you view his past nine years at the club?
Image source, Getty ImagesWhen European-pushing Everton and relegation-fighting West Ham United go head-to-head on Saturday, one thing's for sure: both teams will be going for broke.
We should expect minimal time-wasting and maximum goal-searching from both sides, who could do with three points to boost their pursuits.
Everton boss David Moyes will most likely turn to Beto to provide a goalscoring threat at London Stadium, the striker having started the Toffees' past six Premier League games after reclaiming his starting XI position off Thierno Barry.
It is fair to say Beto needed extra time to adjust to the English top-flight after completing a move from Serie A side Udinese in August 2023.
All you have to do is cast your mind back to his BBC Sport interview before the 2024-25 season, when he said: "I need to have people criticising me and I need to have haters" after scoring just five goals in his first season in England.
But how do the 28-year-old's recent statistics compare?
Well, Beto has scored seven Premier League goals from just 19 shots in 2026 - registering a shot conversion rate of 37% and averaging a league goal every 81 minutes.
Prior to 2026, he had scored just 12 goals from 111 shots - registering a shot conversion rate of 11% and averaging a league goal every 271 minutes.
Is it the Moyes effect? Is it simply time spent maturing in the Premier League.
Whatever is is, the Guinea-Bissau international appears to be flourishing at long last.
