Everton are set to face their toughest run of fixtures this season. The Toffees play seven matches in December, a month that could shape their campaign. They currently sit 15th, just two points outside of the relegation zone. To remain in a position of safety will prove difficult.
Everton December Fixtures The Toughest Of The Season
Everton To Face The Top Four
In what is the hardest stretch for any team in the competition, Everton play the current top four in back-to-back games. Starting with the final Premier League Merseyside derby, which is sure to be an emotional match, they then face Arsenal (A), Chelsea (H), and Manchester City (A).
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Last season the Toffees earned six points from these corresponding fixtures. This year fans will be hoping for any positive results. This section could lead to Everton picking up points where those around them will struggle, but current form and a lack of goal-scoring are leaving many dreading this run of games.
Where Can Everton Pick Up Points In Decembers Fixtures
To start the last month of the year, Everton play Manchester United (A) and Wolverhampton (H). After their horror run against the top four, they finish December hosting Nottingham Forest. If the Toffees are to pick up any significant points, it will likely be in these games.
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Forest and United will be no slouches though. The Tricky Trees have been the surprise package of the season, currently placed seventh, just three points out of the Champions League places. Old Trafford is also a notoriously difficult place for the Toffees to travel to. Everton have just won once at the ground in the Premier League era.
If there is one game that is a ‘must win,’ it would be against the Wolves at home. This term, Everton have faltered against the teams around them, Giving Southampton their only win and clean sheet of the season, as well as draws to Leicester, West Ham, and Brentford. The Wolves sit two points behind the Blues and are out of the relegation zone on goal difference.
Will The New Year Call For Panic At Everton
If the results don’t go their way, there will be a lot of doom and gloom around Goodison Park. In their last season at their historic ground, they would like to send it off in good fashion. If a fourth consecutive relegation battle is on the cards, fans will find it hard to not show their disappointment.
Many teams have survived the drop after heading into the new year in the relegation zone. However, a lack of goals and a negative playing style have left many with a bleak outlook for the rest of the season. Goodison faithful do have the impending Freidkin Group takeover set to be completed before the end of the year. A change of ownership that has been long overdue and will provide a new hope before they move to the new stadium for the next campaign.