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Everton will be looking to build on their unbeaten start to the Premier League season when Ipswich Town arrive at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

David Moyes’ side have collected six points from their first four league matches, recording one victory and three draws.

Their latest result came away against Tottenham, where Everton produced a disciplined defensive display to earn a deserved 0-0 draw in north London. The Toffees then carried that momentum into the Carabao Cup, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Wolves thanks to Charly Alcaraz’s late goal.

It was hardly a dazzling performance, but the result kept Everton progressing and allowed Moyes to give valuable minutes to several players who have been waiting for opportunities.

Ipswich, however, should present a completely different challenge.

Everton were able to remain compact and pick their moments against Spurs, but playing at home against Ipswich will likely demand a more proactive approach. Moyes’ side will need to move the ball with greater speed, create more chances around the penalty area and make their possession count.

Everton’s recent record against Ipswich

The visitors should not be underestimated either.

Gary O’Neil’s Ipswich side arrive after an impressive 3-2 away victory at Crystal Palace last weekend, demonstrating their ability to take advantage of defensive mistakes.

Their 4-2 Carabao Cup defeat against Arsenal in midweek provided a reminder of the challenge ahead, although O’Neil made changes to his lineup for that contest.

Everton have also suffered a setback in their preparations, with Merlin Röhl ruled out of Saturday’s meeting.

David Moyes confirms Merlin Röhl will miss Ipswich clash

Moyes has confirmed that Röhl has failed to recover in time for the Ipswich game, meaning the German midfielder will remain sidelined until after the international break at the earliest.

His absence does not leave Moyes needing to completely alter his plans, but it does remove another versatile option from his midfield.

Röhl can operate centrally, drive forward with the ball and use his physical presence to compete in demanding matches. His versatility has made him a useful option for Moyes, particularly with Everton navigating a busy schedule.

The manager still has alternatives available. James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall can provide experience and composure, while Alcaraz and Hayden Hackney offer different qualities if Everton need to change the tempo.

However, Röhl’s continued absence reduces Moyes’ rotation options following the midweek cup fixture.

That makes Everton’s efficiency at both ends of the pitch even more important.

Their defensive organisation has been one of the positives from the opening weeks of the campaign, but the Toffees now need to add more attacking sharpness.

Thierno Barry will be hoping for improved service, while Tyrique George, Tyler Dibling and Jack Grealish give Moyes several options to support the striker.

The previous meeting between these sides should also serve as a warning.

Everton appeared to be in complete control after building a two-goal lead against Ipswich at Goodison Park in May 2025, only for the visitors to fight back and secure a 2-2 draw.

Moyes’ team will therefore have to avoid another lapse after establishing a strong position.

With home advantage and an unbeaten league record on the line, Everton have an opportunity to turn a respectable start into something more substantial. A victory would extend their unbeaten run, boost confidence at their new stadium and provide further evidence that Moyes’ side can make progress despite the difficulties surrounding the squad after an underwhelming summer transfer window.