Everton‘s chances of avoiding Premier League relegation have been given a significant boost.
After a shock 5-1 victory at Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this week,the Toffees are out of the drop zone and two points clear of 18th-placed Leeds United.
Certainly, things are looking much more promising for Sean Dyche and his troops after the emphatic victory on the south coast. A dark cloud had previously been hanging over Everton before the triumph. Now belief has markedly increased.
Yet Everton fans are all too aware that they’re still not out of the mire. Far from it. With three games remaining, anything in the survival battle can happen, with Leeds, Nottingham Forest Leicester and Southampton all in the scrap.
And the Blues’ next fixture against leaders Manchester City at Goodison Park on Sunday couldn’t be any tougher. City have won their past 10 league matches while they drew 1-1 against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this week.
But Everton can take heart from the 1-1 stalemate they earned at the Ethihad Stadium in the reverse fixture on New Year’s Eve.
Ahead of the upcoming clash, here’s an early look at the injury situation for both sides.
1. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 31: Erling Haaland of Manchester City clashes with Ben Godfrey of Everton during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton FC at Etihad Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
2. Seamus Coleman - out
The Everton captain won’t play again this season because of a knee injury he suffered in the 2-2 draw against Leicester. Coleman has had successful surgery.
3. Ruben Vinagre - out
Dyche confirmed that the on-loan Sporting Lisbon left-back will be out for a ‘long time’.
4. Andros Townsend - out
Made a return for Everton under-21s last weekend - almost 13 months since suffering his ACL injury. However, Townsend will need more time to get up to speed.