SILVA’S SAFE . . . FOR NOW
MARCO SILVA is expected to stay in charge of Everton for their next Premier League game against West Ham.
The 42-year-old is under increasing pressure after Everton dropped into the bottom three at the weekend and disgruntled fans have been calling for change.
A board meeting is scheduled for today, although Silva is understood to have the support of majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri — at least for now.
Moshiri and Silva have held a couple of conversations in recent weeks regarding the direction of the team and there is a general acceptance that results will have to drastically improve or change will become inevitable.
Bookmakers have installed former manager David Moyes as favourite to replace Silva, with Manchester City’s Mikel Arteta and Ajax coach Erik ten Hag also touted.
Moyes is known to be keen on a return to Goodison Park should the opportunity arise and could be open to fulfilling an interim role, similar to the one he undertook with West Ham to guide them to Premier League survival in 2018.
Everton spent more than £100million in the summer but are sorely lacking a proven goalscorer and another option at centre back.
Defensive frailties have been evident throughout the campaign with five goals conceded from set-pieces alone, more than any other side in the division.
Silva admitted that the West Ham fixture on October 19 is now a ‘must win game’ following Saturday’s limp defeat by Burnley, Everton’s fourth successive loss.
They have just seven points from eight games and Silva said: ‘When I say to you it is a must-win game, it is a must-win game.
‘We should win that game, we must win that game to get the three points and get a better position in the table and grow our confidence.
‘It’s important for the fans to keep the faith. Of course they want more and they deserve more. Our players are sticking together.’
Meanwhile, Championship strugglers Reading are expected to sack manager Jose Gomes in the next 24 hours.
It comes after a miserable start to the season, which has seen the side drop into the relegation zone after just two wins in their opening 11 Championship matches.