It's going to be a significant one for David Moyes this afternoon, with Everton hosting West Ham United at Goodison Park.
West Ham, with whom Moyes lifted the Conference League in 2022/23, haven't been great this season, sitting level on points (33) in the Premier League with the resurgent Toffees.
Both sides' problems were illuminated in the reverse fixture: a drab goalless draw played out four months ago in east London.
However, this is a different Everton. Moyes might have his share of injury problems to deal with, but there's little question his team have the capacity to score a huge victory against the Hammers.
Everton's injury news
Everton might be suffering from a raft of absentees but they have also gone seven matches unbeaten in the Premier League under Moyes.
The 61-year-old manager did issue a pre-match update on several players, with Iliman Ndiaye, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dwight McNeil all approaching full fitness. None will be ready in time for this weekend, however.
Michail Antonio won't return this season after his accident, while summer signings Niklas Fullkrug, Crysencio Summerville also remain sidelined.
West Ham United's Niclas Fullkrug
Charly Alcaraz may be gunning for a start over Abdoulaye Doucoure, but Moyes actually has an alternative option to replace the veteran, and he should put some thought into picking him.
Why Moyes should drop Abdoulaye Doucoure
Fresh from being awarded the Premier League Manager of the Month award for February, Moyes will need to make a big call, with Doucoure perhaps not the best option in between the base of midfield and the frontline.
Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure
The 32-year-old is still a hard-working and combative player, but Tim Iroegbunam's cameo at Molineux last weekend highlighted the increased output last summer's recruit brings through central phases.
Signing from Aston Villa for about £10m, Iroegbunam has only started four league matches this season, returning from a long layoff after Moyes' arrival and since featuring from the bench.
Iroegbunam actually ranks among the top 17% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 9% for successful take-ons and the top 1% for tackles per 90, as per FBref, with that lattermost metric coming into play at Wolves.
Wolve 1-1 Everton: Doucoure & Iroegbunam Stats
Match Stats
Minutes played
Touches
Accurate passes
Key passes
Dribbles
Tackles + interceptions
Duels won
Stats via Sofascore
Doucoure led the press well before being replaced for fresh legs. Iroegbunam, however, staked his claim. Despite playing less than half the Malian's minutes, he almost saw more of the ball, was crisper in possession and unrelenting in defensive moments.
The Athletic's Patrick Boyland had described Iroegbunam as the "standout" of Everton's season in the early knockings before he was cruelly sidelined with an ankle injury for more than three months.
Tim Iroegbunam for Everton
While Alcaraz was also lively off the bench, he may have to wait here, unless Moyes wants to rotate his trusted base layer in Idrissa Gueye and James Garner.
Iroegbunam's creativity, athleticism and tough-tackling approach could be perfect against a West Ham team with a midfield there for the taking.
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