Everton vs Bournemouth LIVE commentary: Dyche's Toffees in search of much-needed points to start campaign – kick-off time, team news and how to follow

Pointless Everton will be desperate to get their season back on track against Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Toffees come into this game after a 4-0 defeat to Tottenham last time out, which raised further questions about Sean Dyche's future at the club.

A stellar Spurs side easily outplayed Dyche's men, who will be looking to finally take the lead this weekend.

Everton received a much-needed boost in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday by easily beating Doncaster Rovers 3-0 and will need to improve again against Bournemouth.

The Cherries picked up a hard-fought point at home to Newcastle last weekend, but it could have been more had it not been for a late VAR intervention.

Dango Ouattara's stoppage-time header was ruled out, much to Eddie Howe's relief, and controversy continues to surround the decision days later.

Everton vs Bournemouth: Sticky Toffees turn to academy

The 2024/25 campaign has gotten off to an injury-plagued start for Everton, meaning only 14 senior squad players were fit to travel to north London on Saturday.

However, it did present an opportunity for academy prospects Roman Dixon, Harrison Armstrong and Jenson Metcalfe, who all featured in Sean Dyche's 23-man squad for the first time.

Dixon, who replaced veteran Seamus Coleman at right-back, was the youngest Everton player to start in the Premier League since Jarrad Branthwaite in December 2021.

The 19-year-old was also the second-youngest to start a Premier League game under Dyche, behind Dwight McNeil, who he started alongside in Saturday's defeat.

Bournemouth are not short of their fair share of talented youngsters either: 21-year-old Alex Scott came on as a substitute in Andoni Iraola's side against Newcastle, while former Juventus teenager Dean Huijsen was a substitute and went unused.

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Everton vs AFC Bournemouth: Date and how to follow

This Premier League match will take place on Saturday, August 31.

Kick-off at Goodison Park is scheduled for 3pm

talkSPORT 2 will have live coverage from Merseyside, with Chris Latchem as presenter.

Commentary will then be provided by Ian Danter and former Arsenal winger Perry Groves.

To tune into talkSPORT 2 via the website, Click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen through talkSPORT Appon DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Everton vs Bournemouth: team news

The hosts will be looking to integrate new signings Jesper Lindstrom and Jake O'Brien for the first time in front of the Goodison faithful.

Meanwhile, midfielder Tim Iroegbunam has already tasted Premier League action but could partner Idrissa Gueye once again as James Garner remains a doubt.

Former Marseille and Sheffield United player Iliman Ndiaye could be handed his first start under Dyche after featuring in N17 last week.

As for Bournemouth, Brazilian striker Evanilson is likely to continue in attack, while Enes Unal needs to be assessed.

Tyler Adams has been ruled out of the trip to Merseyside and the midfielder is looking to return to action in mid-October.

This could mean Iraola sticks with the duo of Lewis Cook and Ryan Christie, or he could turn to youngster Scott from the start.

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Everton vs Bournemouth: What has been said?

Dyche says his side will have to improve their focus after last week's destruction at Spurs.

He said: “You can't give anything away to teams of this calibre, you make bad decisions if you're not focused, if you're not concentrated.

“Two tough games in a row. We made two mistakes last week and another mistake this week.

“Tottenham are a team that scores goals all over the pitch. We haven't had enough. We're at the limit, but that's no excuse. I expect a lot from these players, but there are a lot of challenges here.”

“We work within the limits we can. We expect more. We've been written off many times and we'll be written off again. We've been through this before.”