What The Papers Say - 16 December

The views on this page are taken from the local and national media and do not necessarily reflect the views of Everton.

Liverpool World takes a look at early team news for Everton ahead of their last match before Christmas at home to Arsenal on Saturday (8pm GMT kick-off).

The online outlet speculates that the Blues will have to make significant changes to their line-up from the last outing against Chelsea.

Idrissa Gana Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye are now unavailable due to their participation in the African Cup of Nations with Senegal, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish are doubts for the fixture after picking up hamstring issues at Stamford Bridge.

"Moyes said it was too early to give further details on Dewsbury-Hall’s issue," comments Will Rooney. "However, if it is a hamstring problem, it is unlikely that he will be back to face Premier League leaders Arsenal.

"Everton will have to assess Grealish’s issue as they will not want to aggravate it any further, especially if Dewsbury-Hall is confined to the treatment table for a prolonged period."

A number of journalists also pass their opinion on Everton Under-21s' comeback victory over PSV in the Premier League International Cup.

Paul Tait's side trailed 2-0 early in the second half, but turned it round to run out 3-2 winners at Goodison Park, and special praise was reserved for second-half substitutes Ademide Akarakiri and Malik Olayiwola, who are both regulars in the Under-18s squad.

"Did not see that coming but Everton come from 2-0 down to win through goals from three different subs," comments Joe Thomas of the Liverpool ECHO.

"Ademide Akarakiri and Malik Olayiwola changed the game for EFC, who did well to fight back and clinch a game that had looked beyond them."

"Olayiwola & fellow U18 Akarakiri made a big difference in midfield after coming on," states Paddy Boyland of The Athletic.

Meanwhile, BBC SPORT covers confirmation of Everton's opponents in the Adobe Women's FA Cup fourth round draw.

The Blues will travel to the West Midlands to face third-tier opponents West Bromwich Albion, with the fixture scheduled to take place on the weekend of 18-19 January.

Further details for the tie will be confirmed in due course via official Club channels.