EXCLUSIVE; Everton close to breaking a record which should be impossible due to Premier League rule

EXCLUSIVE; Everton close to breaking a record which should be impossible due to Premier League rule

Everton fans are struggling to establish a connection with the Hill Dickinson Stadium this season.

So far, the venue has hosted just two Saturday 3pm kick-offs, the traditional slot that historically allowed supporters to settle into matchday routines and build familiarity with the ground.

Yet, in a bizarre twist, Monday’s clash with Manchester United will mark Everton’s sixth Premier League fixture on a Monday night this season — three times the number of Saturday afternoon games.

This schedule has the Toffees edging toward a record, but Premier League rules in theory should prevent it.

Everton nearing record Monday night tally

Historically, no team has played more Monday night fixtures than West Ham United in the 1995/96 season, when they played seven.

Back in November, BBC Sport highlighted a rule stating that no Premier League side should play more than five Monday night matches in a season.

For instance, they noted that Manchester United, already chosen three times in the Monday slot, could only be assigned two more.

It leaves Everton manager David Moyes likely questioning why his side has already been scheduled for six Monday night fixtures, with 11 games remaining this season — meaning the club could yet surpass West Ham’s longstanding record.

Impact of a scattered fixture list on performance

Former goalkeeper Ben Foster once observed that Everton supporters can negatively influence their team’s performance when frustrated, potentially causing players to make mistakes or play nervously.

The Premier League’s trend of late-week matches and irregular scheduling risks aggravating fans, creating a tense atmosphere that could spill onto the pitch.

This season, Everton have yet to win in six home games at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and have claimed just five victories in 15 matches at the new ground overall.

The inconsistent and unusual kick-off times may already be contributing to these disappointing results.