Everton face Aston Villa today, as one of the most historic fixtures in English football makes yet another return.
However, there has been a severe role reversal this term, as it is now the visitors who boast a considerable ascendency, having enjoyed a miraculous turnaround under Unai Emery.
Sat third in the Premier League, challenging the established elite against all the odds, this is a story that the Toffees could have only dreamed of when Farhad Moshiri first joined.
And yet, such is the allure of this division, today still marks a clash where either side could claim victory.
Minor injury boosts and key absences could prove pivotal in turning the side, and so to see Lucas Digne ruled out marks a huge positive for the hosts.
However, they are not without blows themselves.
Dwight McNeil ‘really lucky’ with injury
Having been stretchered off against Crystal Palace, it surprised many when Sean Dyche actually suggested that Dwight McNeil had been ‘really lucky’.
However, such was the manner in which he departed the pitch, the worst was understandably feared. So, his notion makes sense, as he revealed that the winger would now be assessed on a weekly basis before making a fitness call.
So, whilst he will not be available today, things definitely could have been much, much worse.
Idrissa Gana Gueye is off to AFCON
Adding to their depth crisis, Idrissa Gana Gueye‘s potentially month-long absence will be a pivotal one as he sets off for the African Cup of Nations.
The Senegal international has hardly been ever-present under Dyche, but when called upon has deputised well.
However, to be without him is to put the squad down to its bare bones in midfield, with just Amadou Onana, James Garner and a recently-fit Andre Gomes left to feature in that role.
Dele Alli suffered another setback
Having yet to play under Dyche, Dele Alli‘s Everton career is one stagnating and without a certain future.
Many fans would love to see him given a go, but his continued struggles to get fit are halting the progress of a player many believed would achieve legendary things when he was with Tottenham Hotspur.
The 27-year-old had been so close to returning to first-team training, making this latest setback so much tougher.
Ashley Young remains sidelined
Having remained ever-present throughout the season thus far, much to the frustration of some of the fanbase, Ashley Young‘s absence has created another problem in the depth department.
Capable of playing on either flank, at full-back or winger, his presence throughout this month will be more important than many know.
So, whilst today might be a step too early, the fact he is ‘back on the grass’ is a positive for Everton.
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