Jack Grealish set for first Everton start in predicted XI at Tottenham
Jack Grealish is confirmed to start for Everton at Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, with David Moyes expected to use a 4-1-4-1 shape. Hayden Hackney should anchor midfield if James Garner is not fit. Kick-off details and the full predicted line-up are below.
- Match: Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League
- Venue: North London (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium)
- Everton predicted XI: 4-1-4-1, with Grealish starting
- Key change: Hayden Hackney likely to hold midfield if Garner is out
- Everton absentees: Christian Nørgaard (out until after international break); Garner doubtful
- At stake: Everton seek a first away point at Spurs after a poor recent record there
Team news: Grealish ready, Garner uncertain
David Moyes confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Jack Grealish is ready to start. The on-loan midfielder gives Everton control, carries the ball well and can alter the tempo of a game.
There was no clear update on James Garner after he went off injured last week, leaving uncertainty in midfield. Christian Nørgaard remains unavailable, though the expectation is he will return after the international break. As things stand, he looks like Everton’s only confirmed absentee.
Moyes has kept things simple this week, with the mood described as players and staff “mucking in” after a mixed opening stretch.
Predicted Everton line-up
Everton are expected to go with the 4-1-4-1 shape seen during pre-season. If Garner is not fit enough to start, Hayden Hackney should hold the midfield role after making a real impact from the bench last weekend.
Everton (4-1-4-1)
Starting XI: Jordan Pickford; Ainsley Maitland-Niles, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitaliy Mykolenko; Hayden Hackney; Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Merlin Röhl, Tyrique George; Thierno Barry
Substitutes: Mark Travers, King, Michael Keane, Jake O’Brien, Harrison Armstrong, Charly Alcaraz, Tyler Dibling, Brennan Johnson (and other squad options)
Selection notes
Moyes has defensive cover through Jarrad Branthwaite, Michael Keane, Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski, Vitaliy Mykolenko, Nathan Patterson and Ainsley Maitland-Niles. In midfield and attack, the squad includes Harrison Armstrong, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Garner, Hayden Hackney, Merlin Röhl, Charly Alcaraz, Tyler Dibling, Tyrique George, Brennan Johnson, Grealish and Thierno Barry.
The bench may again look light, which Moyes will have to manage carefully. Travers, Keane and O’Brien offer cover at the back, while Armstrong provides energy and Alcaraz or Dibling can change the tempo.
What was said
"Grealish is ready to start."
That single line is the most significant team-news development. Moyes has resisted any temptation to ease Grealish in from the bench and instead hands him a starting role in a game Everton need to control.
Grealish’s ability to carry the ball and dictate rhythm could be the difference between another long afternoon in north London and a first positive result there in some time.
The numbers
- Everton have scored once in their last five away games at Tottenham.
- Spurs have spent more than £250 million in the summer transfer window.
- Tottenham have one point from three games and have yet to score.
Injury and availability
Christian Nørgaard remains unavailable but is expected to return after the international break. James Garner went off injured last week and his status is unclear. He is the only doubt; Nørgaard is the only confirmed absentee.
Why Moyes is trusting Grealish and Hackney at Spurs
Everton’s recent record at Tottenham is grim: one goal in five away games. Moyes knows his side cannot simply defend for 90 minutes and hope for a point. Starting Jack Grealish gives them a genuine outlet — a player who can hold the ball under pressure, draw fouls and allow the back four to push up.
The 4-1-4-1 shape depends on the deepest midfielder shielding the defence and linking play. If James Garner is not ready, Hayden Hackney is the logical choice. He impressed from the bench last weekend and looked sharper than those around him, suggesting he can handle the role.
With Tyrique George keeping his place and Thierno Barry leading the line, Everton have pace and a focal point. The key will be whether Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall can get close enough to Barry to make the possession count. If they do, Spurs’ confidence — already fragile after one point from three games — could crack.
Talking points
- Should Grealish start or be used as an impact sub? Moyes has gone for the former, but his fitness after limited pre-season minutes is a risk.
- Is Hayden Hackney ready to anchor a Premier League midfield? His cameo was bright, yet starting at Spurs is a different test entirely.
- Can Everton finally end their scoring drought at Tottenham? One goal in five visits suggests a systemic issue, not just bad luck.
- Does Brennan Johnson deserve a start against his former club? He was quiet last weekend but has obvious motivation if called upon from the bench.
What happens next
Everton face Tottenham in north London this weekend, then have the international break. Nørgaard is expected back after that. Garner’s fitness will be assessed before kick-off; if he passes fit, he could replace Hackney in the starting XI. A positive result would ease pressure on Moyes after a mixed start.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jack Grealish starting for Everton vs Tottenham?
Yes. David Moyes confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Grealish is ready to start. He is expected to feature in a 4-1-4-1 shape.
Who is Everton’s holding midfielder vs Tottenham?
Hayden Hackney is expected to hold the midfield role if James Garner is not fit enough to start. Garner went off injured last week and his status is unclear.
Is Christian Nørgaard available for Everton vs Tottenham?
No. Christian Nørgaard remains unavailable, but the expectation is that he will return after the international break. He looks like Everton’s only confirmed absentee.
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