Everton can move out of the Premier League relegation zone today when they travel to Brighton & Hove Albion (17.30 BST) - although getting a result will be tall order.
The Toffees are currently 19th in the table but are only a point adrift of safety with four games remaining. With Leeds United losing to Manchester City, a win for Sean Dyche’s men on the south coast could see them out of the drop zone before 18th-placed Nottingham Forest play basement side Southampton later this evening.
Everton earned a 2-2 draw at Leicester City last time out. And while there were improvements in the performance, wins are starting to become ever-more important.
The Blues have won just once on their travels this season and face a Brighton side who are pushing for European football after a 1-0 victory over Manchester United last Thursday.
Seamus Coleman has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign for Everton after he was stretchered off against Leicester with a knee injury. Ben Godfrey (groin) remains sidelined along with Andros Townsend (ACL) and Ruben Vinagre.
Sean Dyche could be tempted to make some tweaks to his side and here’s the Everton team we predict to face Brighton.
1. BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MAY 08: Sean Dyche, Manager of Everton, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton FC at American Express Community Stadium on May 08, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Everton manager Sean Dyche. Picture: Steve Bardens/Getty Images
2. GK - Jordan Pickford
Made several fine saves at Brighton and will expect a busy afternoon.
3. RB - Nathan Patterson
Did very well in his first start under Dyche at Brighton. Set for another stiff test.
4. CB - James Tarkowski
Very much first-choice centre-back at Everton. Was excellent in the reverse clash against City.