Everton face West Ham United this weekend in the Premier League, and will be desperate to take advantage of their recent dip in form to claim their first three points of 2024.
Especially given the fixtures that will follow, first travelling to Old Trafford to face Manchester United before welcoming Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby.
A win on Saturday will be crucial towards realising their survival ambitions, but it will not be easy, as David Moyes is remarkably scrambling to convince his fanbase that he should remain in the managerial post.
That is, despite having led them to their second-ever European trophy last season, a first piece of major silverware since 1975, and guiding them to tenth in the league at the moment.
If Sean Dyche is to claim victory, there is one thing he simply must do to give himself the best possible chance of success. Start Amadou Onana.
Is Amadou Onana fit?
Having been out for a few key weeks, his absence was felt greatly, as his domineering presence in the engine room was impossible to replace.
Few boast his guile and physical presence, and whilst James Garner is industrious and silky at times, he lacks the ability to control games like his £33m teammate. This is exemplified through his 84% average pass accuracy, supported by his 0.6 key passes, 2.5 tackles and 5.7 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.
So, to see him deemed fit enough for the clash with Manchester City, it made sense for him to start on the bench in a match they had little chance of winning.
But then to see him retain that substitute spot against Crystal Palace drew scrutiny, which only intensified when he was once again benched last Saturday against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Having come on to make an impact in all three matches, he is clearly fit. So why does Dyche not favour him anymore? It is a question without a valid answer.
Everton have to beat West Ham United this weekend
Few games at this stage of the season are must-wins, especially given how busy it is at the bottom of the table.
Luton Town’s mini resurgence seems to have been quelled somewhat, and with Sheffield United and Burnley both as bad as each other, it seems there is only one relegation spot that sides will have to avoid this season.
However, for Everton, this clash with the Hammers is as close as they can get to a game they cannot afford to lose, given the run of fixtures are set to follow.
Should they fall to defeal, and inevitably fail to win in their next two matches, that will be three weeks where they have afforded their relegation rivals ample time to establish a gap.
Dyche cannot allow his side to get cut adrift, and successful appeal or not, this Saturday is a monumental clash and a fine opportunity to ignite Goodison Park after months of turgid showings.
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