The upcoming match at Goodison Park on Saturday, featuring Everton and Burnley, colloquially dubbed the ‘Sean Dyche derby’, assumes significance within the context of the Premier League’s battle for survival. Everton, acting as hosts, confront Burnley in what promises to be a crucial encounter.
Following a 2-0 defeat in the previous fixture at Turf Moor in mid-December, Vincent Kompany’s side endeavors to avenge their loss against the Toffees.
Match preview
Everton secured a potentially crucial point in their endeavor to avoid relegation as they played to a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Tuesday night.
Newcastle took the lead through Alexander Isak’s 15th-minute goal and dominated proceedings thereafter. However, their failure to capitalize on multiple scoring opportunities proved costly, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted an 88th-minute penalty to level the score, marking his first goal since October and ending a 22-game goal drought across all competitions.
Despite this draw, Everton has set an unwanted club record, extending their winless streak in the Premier League to 13 matches – the longest such streak since 1937 (14 games).
Nevertheless, Everton manager Sean Dyche found positives in his team’s performance and mentality against Newcastle, suggesting they possess the qualities required to remain above the relegation zone. Although Everton still faces the looming threat of a potential points deduction, they currently occupy 16th place in the table, holding a four-point cushion above the drop zone.
Heading into Saturday’s fixture, Everton has a mixed record against newly promoted teams at home, having lost nine of their last 14 such encounters. However, they have already defeated Burnley twice this season, including a 2-0 victory at Turf Moor, and aim to secure their first league double over Burnley since the 2018-19 season.
Burnley, on the other hand, have endured a challenging season, suffering five defeats in six matches between January 31 and March 3. However, they have shown signs of improvement recently, with a four-match unbeaten streak, accumulating six points from three draws and one win.
Following a crucial 2-1 home victory against Brentford, Burnley secured consecutive draws against Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers, including a 1-1 draw in their latest outing.
Despite taking the lead through Jacob Bruun Larsen’s goal, Burnley were unable to secure the win as Rayan Ait-Nouri equalized for Wolverhampton Wanderers just before halftime, resulting in a stalemate in the second half.
Burnley’s struggles continue, particularly when scoring first, as they have failed to win in nine Premier League matches this season after taking the lead. As a consequence, they find themselves in 19th place, six points away from safety and facing the imminent risk of relegation.
Furthermore, Burnley’s away form has been underwhelming, with their last Premier League away victory dating back to December 23 against Fulham. As they prepare to face Everton, Burnley must confront their poor record at Goodison Park, having lost six of their last eight top-flight visits to Everton, with only two victories under their belt, occurring in October 2017 and March 2021 under the management of current Everton boss Sean Dyche.
Team News
Everton’s Dele Alli (groin) and Lewis Dobbin (ankle) continue to be absent due to injuries, while Arnaut Danjuma (ankle) participated in training this week but remains unfit, as stated by Dyche. Consequently, Saturday’s match will be premature for the winger.
Dyche has disclosed that Amadou Onana has been dealing with various minor injuries and will undergo evaluation before kickoff. Meanwhile, Andre Gomes, who played 30 minutes in the previous match against Newcastle, is likely to be included again as he has shown improvement in his recovery from a calf injury.
Following his midweek goal, Calvert-Lewin will vie for a starting position ahead of Beto. Additionally, Seamus Coleman, James Garner, and Jack Harrison will aim to reclaim their spots in the starting lineup after coming on as substitutes against Newcastle.
Regarding Burnley, they have no new injury concerns. Aaron Ramsey, Luca Koleosho, and Nathan Redmond remain sidelined with long-term knee and thigh injuries.
It is anticipated that Arijanet Muric will continue as the goalkeeper for the fourth consecutive game, displacing James Trafford. The defensive lineup consisting of Vitinho, Dara O’Shea, Maxime Esteve, and Charlie Taylor is expected to remain unchanged.
Chelsea loanee David Datro Fofana may be partnered in the attack by Lyle Foster, although Zeki Amdouni is pushing for a recall.
Everton possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Garner, Onana, McNeil; Doucoure; Beto
Burnley possible starting lineup:
Muric; Vitinho, O’Shea, Esteve, Taylor; Odobert, Cullen, Berge, Larsen; Fofana, Foster