Everton’s key fixtures in the race against the drop

Everton supporters must have thought last season was a one-off. The ubiquitous Premier League outfit teased with the prospect of relegation in 2021/22 before Frank Lampard guided them to safety, but they now find themselves in an eerily similar position one year on.

Lampard, as it turned out, was not the answer and the dysfunctional Toffees have turned to ex-Burnley boss Sean Dyche to establish some stability at Goodison Park.

Dyche’s impressive exploits at Turf Moor have convinced many Everton will be okay and there’s no denying the new manager’s positive impact on Merseyside. However, it remains incredibly tight at the bottom of the Premier League.

Here’s how the Toffees’ schedule looks to close out the 2022/23 campaign, including their most important upcoming fixtures.

Everton vs Tottenham

Goodison Park will play a key role in Everton staying up, just as it did towards the backend of last season, but just five of the Toffees’ remaining 11 fixtures come at home.

Everton take on four of the current top eight at Goodison before the season expires, and Dyche will fancy this Monday Night Football encounter against Tottenham. Spurs may well be pushing for a Champions League spot, but they’re as vulnerable as they come and it’s easy to envisage this atypical Antonio Conte side succumbing to a fervent atmosphere under the lights.

Crystal Palace vs Everton

Palace’s ineptitude in 2023 has dragged them right into the dogfight with the pressure mounting on manager Patrick Vieira. The Eagles haven’t tasted victory since New Year’s Eve, and they’ve accumulated just three points (all draws) from their last six outings – the lowest tally in the Premier League.

Considering the difficulty of Everton’s schedule, this is a contest they must win.

Leicester vs Everton

Leicester look dire right now and they’ve sleepwalked into the fight for survival following their recent indifference. James Maddison’s injury issues have compromised the Foxes in 2023, but Brendan Rodgers’ side are still struggling to fire even when their primary creator is fit.

They’re woefully out of sorts right now having lost their last four and while their form could pick up by the time they meet Everton at the King Power, this is another away contest the Toffees will fancy their chances in.

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