What – despite what Sean Dyche claimed publicly – was always a huge game for Everton against Leeds United – took on even greater significance because of the scorelines elsewhere last Saturday but at least this weekend’s fixtures ensure at least some of the Blues’ relegation rivals will drop points.
Everton captain and match-winner Seamus Coleman – whose spectacular strike from a tight angle secured a monumental three points for his side – admitted that he and his team-mates caught a glimpse of how things were going elsewhere with just a couple of minutes to go and it “wasn’t great for our nerves.” Bournemouth, without a win since they thrashed Everton 3-0 in their final fixture before the World Cup back on November 12, won 1-0 at Wolverhampton Wanderers while managerless bottom club Southampton also triumphed away, 1-0 at Chelsea, for their first three points since they defeated the Blues 2-1 at Goodison Park on January 14.
Nottingham Forest also picked up a point at home to reigning champions Manchester City but thankfully for Dyche’s side, both of last Sunday’s results went in Everton’s favour with Leicester City and West Ham losing 3-0 at Manchester United and 2-0 at Tottenham Hotspur respectively. Here’s a look at what all the other sides involved in the battle against the drop are up to this weekend.
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Starting tonight at 8pm, the Blues will be looking for a favour from former manager Marco Silva as his newly-promoted surprise package Fulham, riding high in sixth with 38 points – a tally that already might be enough to keep them up – host Wolverhampton Wanderers. The bulk of other fixtures that Evertonians will be keeping an eye on also take place in the traditional 3pm Saturday slot when 11th placed Aston Villa (28 points) come to Goodison Park.
Everton (21 points) know that their destiny is in their own hands at the moment and a third successive home win under Dyche would keep them outside of the drop zone. Below them, Leeds United (19 points) – now second bottom – host a Southampton side (18 points) propping up the table so at least they can’t both pick up points in what is Javi Gracia’s first game in charge of the Yorkshire club while their visitors have confirmed caretaker boss Ruben Selles has been given the job for the remainder of the season.
The same goes for 18th placed West Ham United (20 points) who host 13th placed Nottingham Forest (25 points). Leicester City, who are 14th (24 points) are at home to leaders Arsenal while at 5:30pm, 17th placed Bournemouth (21 points and below Everton on goal difference with minus 23 compared to the Blues’ minus 13) entertain second placed Manchester City and then in the late kick-off at 7:45pm, 12th placed Crystal Palace (26 points) play host to Liverpool.
Leicester City’s superior goal difference (minus five) to Everton means that in reality, the Blues can only climb one place at best this weekend to 15th but if they were able to win and other results went their way, they could be level on points with the Foxes, a point behind Nottingham Forest and two adrift of Crystal Palace. On the flip side, if Dyche’s men were to lose, they could find themselves back in the relegation zone and as low as 19th again.
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