Former Everton boss Roberto Martinez thinks Marco Silva can improve the current situation at the club - and points to the key fixture that could spark the Blues' revival.
The Belgium manager, who took charge of 143 games during his Goodison Park tenure, has backed Silva to turn things around despite a difficult start to the campaign.
Martinez told Standard Sport: "It’s only 13 games into the season.
"Obviously it hasn’t been a real bright start in terms of getting the points that probably Everton, with the investment, would expect to get in this initial third of the season.
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"Still, it’s one third, and sometimes you need to go through pain and trauma as a team to become strong again.
"The time to make the assessment will be more at the end of the season and see how the campaign has allowed the team to gel together and become as strong as it can."
The Blues have lost seven games so far this term and are facing a tricky December period with games against Leicester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal to come.
Pressure on Silva has been mounting but Martinez thinks an historic result in the Merseyside derby next month could restore faith in the Portuguese coach.
"That’s a game that would show an incredible mentality from Everton," he said.
"It’s always been very difficult over the years to go to Anfield and get a positive result, and the home record of Liverpool is as good as it gets.
"So, getting a historic result at Anfield could be the start of a new campaign. It really is more important than a Merseyside derby - Merseyside derbies are very special but I think in this case there’s a lot to win for Everton.
"I was a manager in the Premier League for seven consecutive years, 255 games, I know that things can change very quickly.
"The season can change and probably you need an outstanding result that sets the tone and Anfield could be the place."
