Everton will go into tonight’s clash with Manchester City knowing that a win could see them move as high as 14th.
However, they will also be more than aware of just how difficult a challenge the Champions pose, no matter how faltering their form may be.
Having won just one of their last six in the Premier League, and with doubts over the fitness of major players such as Rodri, Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland, Sean Dyche will be quietly confident of pulling off the unthinkable at Goodison Park.
The 52-year-old will have to contend with some key absences of his own though, making the match an intriguing one from a tactical perspective
Here’s the XI we’re predicting Everton to use vs Manchester City…
We expect Dyche to make just three changes from the side that fell to defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.
Unsurprisingly, Jordan Pickford remains unchallenged in goal, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future
What Dyche will also want to keep the same is his back four, which could well welcome the reintroduction of Seamus Coleman after the captain suffered a setback during his return against Newcastle United.
Having been fighting for fitness, tonight might mark an ample opportunity for the 35-year-old to enjoy a true comeback, as a calm head in what could be a frantic game
James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitaliy Mykolenko will make up the rest of the defence.
They too will be shielded by the familiar partnership of Amadou Onana and James Garner, with Idrissa Gana Gueye having been ruled out.
Given the lack of options, and Abdoulaye Doucoure’s continued fitness struggles, perhaps Andre Gomes will cap Saturday’s stunning substitute appearance with an equally enthralling start tonight.
He will be flanked by the ever-present Dwight McNeil, but Jack Harrison might drop to the bench to allow Arnaut Danjuma a start.
The Dutchman posed a huge threat last time out against Spurs and nearly won the game for the Toffees on numerous occasions. His direct goal threat could prove vital against such cut-throat opposition, as the £90k-per-week ‘beast‘, in the eyes of journalist Beren Cross, takes a back seat.
Meanwhile, Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be hoping to end his eight-game barren run in front of goal with a goal tonight.
Dyche quite clearly favours him over Beto, with the Portuguese marksman offering a unique and awkward presence from the bench later on.
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