Everton have a perfect opportunity to end their wretched run of results at Goodison Park on Sunday, when they welcome already-relegated Sheffield United in their penultimate home game of the 2020-21 campaign.
While only champions Manchester City can boast more away wins than the Toffees this season, at their L4 home Everton’s performances have been left much to be desired.
Last time out they were well beaten by Aston Villa, making it just one win in their last 10 league matches at Goodison. Regardless of the unique circumstances posed by behind-closed-doors football, five home wins is a shocking record for a team that has ambitions of qualifying for Europe.
Despite that, Carlo Ancelotti’s team are still in the race for continental qualification and can move level on points with West Ham United with a win after they drew with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday evening.
The visitors are unlikely to do too much different to other teams who have had success at Everton recently. Opponents who defend aggressively, compactly and then spring forward on the counter have given the Toffees big problems at the back.
However, United have toiled throughout the course of the campaign and in recent weeks have had the look of a team that are ready for the season to end.
Everton should be able to welcome James Rodriguez from injury back in a big boost to their hopes, although Yerry Mina is still unavailable due to the injury he picked up against West Ham.
Predicted Everton XI (4-3-3): Pickford; Coleman, Godfrey, Keane, Digne; Allan, Doucoure, Gomes; Rodriguez, Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison
Key Man – James Rodriguez
One of Everton’s big problems this season in home matches has been a lack of creativity, especially when Rodriguez has been unavailable.
The Colombian was injured in the warm-up before the Goodison clash with Villa and it was no surprise to see Everton look rudderless with the ball with him out of the side. Having Rodriguez to control the tempo and create chances in the final third will be vital against deep-sitting opposition.
While the team have toiled in the main at Goodison this season, Rodriguez has been impressive and a consistent productive influence. Provided he can get through the warm-up on this occasion, the 29-year-old’s added quality should be enough to get Everton over the line against the league’s worst side.