Everton will take on Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday at Goodison Park.
The Toffees have shown signs of resurgence under Sean Dyche after picking up four points from the past two games, including a 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Everton earned a valuable 0-0 draw against Arsenal in the previous game and will look to encore yet another strong performance this weekend.
This has been a massive week in Everton’s history. The club finally got rid of Farhad Moshiri, and a new owner – The Friedkin Group – has been officially confirmed.
There has been plenty of noise around Dyche’s future, but it seems the new owners are more than happy to give the manager proper time and support to turn things around.
Ahead of the match, Dyche has shared the team news, and Everton fans will be happy to find that there are no new major injury issues.
Dwight McNeil missed the previous game with a knee injury, and he is “tough-and-go” to be involved in Sunday’s clash against Chelsea.
Dyche said: “Dwight is probably going to be touch-and-go. He’s got a niggly knee that we’re being careful with, so we’re hopeful but we’ll have to wait and see.”
James Garner (back) and Tim Iroegbunam (foot) remain sidelined but they are progressing well, and have taken soft steps back towards fitness.
Jack Harrison to continue?
If McNeil is not fully fit, it doesn’t make sense to use him, considering there are loads of games to be played during the busy festive period.
Jack Harrison started in the previous game, and he should retain his place in the side. Jesper Lindstrom remains another option for Dyche.
McNeil has been a key player for the Toffees this season. He has scored four goals and provided three assists in all competitions, and Dyche needs him badly.
Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson are both fit again, and Dyche must decide whether to start with one of them in place of Ashley Young.
Chelsea have won eight games in a row, and Everton will have to come up with a strong strategy to nullify the threat of Cole Palmer.