Everton find themselves involved in a huge six-pointer on Saturday that could see the future of both managers become a lot clearer.
The Toffees make the trip to the capital to face West Ham United, with both Sean Dyche and Julen Lopetegui under pressure to deliver a result.
Dyche’s side lost to Southampton last weekend whilst the Hammers were comfortably beaten 3-0 by high-flyers Nottingham Forest.
With supporters becoming disgruntled, including some calling for Dyche to be sacked, this is a big game for the 53-year-old and a chance to create some extra breathing room between themselves and the bottom three.
Armando Broja – out
Armando Broja is still yet to feature for Everton since his deadline-day loan move from Chelsea.
No return date is in the pipeline so far but given the length of time out, the Albania international will need to get up to speed, and minutes in the Under-21s side seems like the best port of call.
There is hope that he will be able to feature before the end of the year, with mid-late November the most optimistic estimation.
Youssef Chermiti – out
Similarly to Broja, Youssef Chermiti has been out since the start of the season with a foot problem that Dyche described as “strange”.
His return is also unknown but he will be out for the foreseeable future.
James Garner – out
Dyche confirmed that James Garner would be out for a few weeks with a back issue with the Everton boss suggesting it was down to “wear and tear”.
A return after the international break is expected and given his importance to the side, will likely come straight back into the starting XI.
Tim Iroegbunam – doubtful
There are some hopes that Tim Iroegbunam will be in contention after being ruled out with a stress fracture in his foot he picked up in the draw against Fulham.
It’s not a dead cert that he will be available and early signs suggest it’s more likely that a post-international break return will happen.
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