Everton take on Tottenham Hotspur in their final Premier League fixture on Sunday, and the Toffees owe the fans a performance.
Somehow European football is actually still mathematically possible. But realistically it is not going to happen due to the goal swing they need.
Everton come into the game having not won any of their last six matches.
For the last time this season, let us know your prediction ahead of Sunday’s game…
Could Everton really send Spurs down? 😳
The loss of form has been extremely frustrating, and a big factor behind it has been poor defending.
Everton have been all at sea at the back, with James Tarkowski and Michael Keane’s form particularly worrying.
And simply put, Moyes should really look to avoid starting the pair together on Sunday, especially factoring in what happened in the reverse fixture.
Moyes must break up James Tarkowski and Michael Keane partnership vs Tottenham
Tarkowski and Keane have really struggled in recent matches, with their lack of pace really being exposed.
They have also allowed opposition players too much space – the goal scored by Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta being a good example.
Everton as a collective have also not been dealing well with set-pieces lately.
In the reverse fixture against Spurs, Everton lost 3-0 at Hill Dickinson Stadium with two of the visitors’ goals coming from set-pieces.
The first was scored by Micky van de Ven from inside the six-yard box, with no Everton centre-half anywhere near him.
The second was also scored by van de Ven, who again scored inside the six-yard box with neither Tarkowski nor Keane picking him up.
Pape Matar Sarr added Spurs’ third, ghosting in behind Tarkowski after Richarlison headed the ball back across the box.
The pair were both handed somewhat generous 5/10 ratings by the Liverpool Echo for their performances.
With the pair having been struggling lately, Moyes would be playing with fire by starting them as a pairing on Sunday.
We’ve seen Spurs cause them problems already this season, so the manager ought to shift Jake O’Brien into the middle, which is something fans have been calling for. And for some time now.
Where will Everton be in the table by 6pm on Sunday afternoon? 🥲
The Blues could finish as low as 14th… 😫
Nathan Patterson needs bringing in at right-back to allow this, and one of Tarkowski or Keane needs dropping.
Everton cannot be finishing the season seven games without a win.
To start Tarkowski and Keane together when they’re both in such poor form could make that a reality.
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