Everton will know the importance of today’s fixture, given how it is a clash that was expected to decide the 2021/22 relegation battle.
Travelling to Turf Moor has not been easy for many clubs over the years, with workmanlike spirit and a dogged attitude forged by the man who now enhabits the Goodison Park dugout.
Well, Sean Dyche now returns following his 2022 sacking to the ground which has made up the bulk of his managerial career, hoping to mirror the result earned just last month in the EFL Cup.
Things are unlikely to be as straightforward as they were that night though, mainly owed to the many selection headaches the 52-year-old boss is faced with.
Suffering from suspensions to Idrissa Gana Gueye and Jarrad Branthwaite, and nursing knocks to Ashley Young, Michael Keane and Seamus Coleman, the return of Amadou Onana marks a welcome boost at a crucial time.
How important is Amadou Onana to Everton?
Having joined for a significant fee of £33m, there was understandably huge pressure on the 22-year-old maestro who entered during a tough period in the club’s history.
Everton had just narrowly escaped the drop, and during his first term would tread that line even closer by surviving on the final day of the season in dramatic fashion.
Dyche did not promise that this would never happen again, but ensured he would do his all to try and prevent it. Well, thus far this season, he’s coming good on that suggestion.
Were it not for their points deduction, the Toffees would be just three points off seventh-placed Newcastle, having won nine of their last 13 in all competitions.
Much of that fine form is owed to Onana’s midfield mastery, with that no better showcased than against Burnley last month. However, in his absence, James Garner has stepped up.
The Manchester United academy graduate has been a combative yet creative presence in the engine room, with his 1.1 key passes offset by his five ball recoveries per game in the league, via Sofascore. To return of Onana could see him move over in influence though for his hulking teammate.
Scoring the second that day merely capped off a stunning night for the Belgian international, who managed a 91% pass accuracy whilst winning five of the six ground duels he competed in, via Sofascore.
He truly typified the notion outlined by football scout Elijah Michiels, who wrote that he ‘covers much ground, great engine, underrated technically abilities, carrying ability, physically top’.
Marshalling their midfield, he will hope to do so again today and make it four Premier League wins from their last four matches.
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