Everton will face the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea in their last nine fixtures. Can they end the season on a high?
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku
Everton, seventh in the Premier League, have an interesting run of games from now till the end of the season, as we approach the climax of the 2016-17 campaign.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton
After the international break, Ronald Koeman’s side will take on Liverpool in a high octane Merseyside derby clash at Anfield.
History is against the Toffees, with Everton having not won at Anfield since 1999. Two of their last three visits have resulted in humiliating defeats, with Everton having been beaten by a 4-0 margin on both occasions.
Manchester United 1-1 Everton
Three days later Everton travel to Old Trafford. The Red Devils have drawn seven matches at home this season, more than any other team in the league, but Jose Mourinho’s side remains a formidable opponent.
United have struggled against teams that sit back, soak pressure and hit on the counter-attack. Everton have enough fire-power in their ranks to get a goal at Old Trafford, and may get a positive result if the defence stays resolute.
Everton 3-1 Leicester
By the time Leicester City travel to Goodison Park, they could have six wins in a row under their belt.
The confidence in the team will be sky high, but with the crucial Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid on the horizon, Craig Shakespeare could rest some of his key players.
Everton 2-0 Burnley
Everton face Burnley next, a game they should win without breaking a sweat. The Clarets remain the only side in the Premier League who are yet to win away from home this season.
West Ham 1-1 Everton
The Hammers have been inconsistent with their form this season, especially at home, where they have lost seven games already. Everton traditionally have a good record against the Hammers too, with Romelu Lukaku a real menace to the London side.
Ex-Everton defender and current West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
Everton 1-1 Chelsea
Next up: Chelsea. Everton have been brilliant against top sides at home, and are likely to give the Blues a tough fight. Chelsea would probably edge closer to the title by that time, and they would do everything to avoid a defeat.
Everton rely heavily on Lukaku, the top scorer at the club, but the Belgian often goes missing in big games. These are the matches where he needs to prove himself as a world class striker.
Swansea 2-2 Everton
It is always difficult to play against relegation threatened teams towards the end of the season. While others play for points, they play for survival. Swansea City is no exception.
The home form has improved since the arrival of Paul Clement, with Swansea winning against Southampton, Leicester, and Burnley in their last three home fixtures. On the other hand, Everton often fail to grind out results away from home.
Everton 3-0 Watford
Watford have struggled badly in the second half of the season, having won just twice in the league since January. Anything other than a home win would be a massive shock.
Arsenal 1-1 Everton
Everton end their campaign with a trip to the Emirates. Depending on the league table, we could see either a charged up Arsenal playing for pride, or a dejected side wandering aimlessly on the pitch waiting for the season to end.
Everton’s Ross Barkley
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
