Everton’s Late Clash with Wolves Threatens to Disrupt Manager Moyes’ Saturday Night Plans

This weekend, Everton will kick-off later than usual in their Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers, and manager David Moyes revealed on Friday that the scheduling will throw a spanner in his usual Saturday night routine of enjoying a bottle of wine.

Set for a 21:00 CET start, the match occurs five hours later than the traditional English football kick-off time, leaving fans coping with travel challenges in addition to their disappointment—and Moyes is among them.

“Usually by eight o’clock on a Saturday night, I’d be enjoying a bottle of red wine,” Moyes quipped with a chuckle.

“I believe we’re all slowly getting used to these varied kick-off times.

“If you’re a purist, then you wouldn’t consider eight o’clock on a Saturday night as an ideal time for football.”

The match was originally slated for the customary three o’clock start but was moved to accommodate television coverage from TNT Sports, who had already booked the 12:30 p.m. slot for Nottingham Forest’s match against Manchester City, while Sky Sports took the later 5:30 p.m. timing.

“It’s the direction things are heading, and football clubs are starting to embrace it due to the income from broadcasters,” Moyes commented.

“We just have to adapt, but of course, it does put an end to some people’s Saturday night plans.”

Since returning to Everton in January for his second stint, Moyes has picked up a team that had managed only three victories in their first 20 league encounters—now leading them to four wins in eight outings.

The club is enjoying a seven-match unbeaten streak in the league. While they remain 16th in the table, their position has improved significantly, sitting 15 points clear of the relegation zone compared to just one point when Moyes took charge.

“Looking back, I’ll consider it a major accomplishment,” Moyes reflected.

“However, when you’re in the thick of it, your main focus is always on the next match and striving for victory or at least a result.”

“If you had told me upon my arrival that we would enjoy a spell of seven unbeaten games, I would’ve gladly accepted that.”

Wolves currently sit just below Everton in the league standings but remain 10 points behind Moyes’ side.