Everton face a rather favourable run-in compared to their relegation rivals, aside from a few tougher fixtures.
Their final-day trip to Arsenal often results in a drubbing, but the hope is that they will already be safe by that point. Elsewhere, Stamford Bridge poses an opportunity rather than a threat, in which the Toffees could certainly sneak a point from Chelsea.
However, the outstanding match for Sean Dyche’s side regarding toughness is undoubtedly the Merseyside derby, in which they will welcome Liverpool to Goodison Park in an effort to both dent their title ambitions and secure their position in the top flight.
Jurgen Klopp has now sought to preview the fixture.
Jurgen Klopp looks ahead to Merseyside derby
Speaking immediately after his side’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United, the German was left frustrated, but determined to right their wrongs.
After all, they did dominate at Old Trafford, yet through two moments of madness, and two admittedly stunning finishes, they found themselves behind.
Mohamed Salah’s late equaliser from the penalty spot gave hope of a revival, but in the end Liverpool were forced to settle for a point, thus handing the title impetus to Arsenal.
Looking ahead to his remaining fixtures, Klopp detailed how he thinks his side will endure similar issues against Everton to the ones they did yesterday.
He noted: ‘I don’t stand here and feel depressed. I know these things happen and now let’s keep going. Atalanta then Crystal Palace then Everton, which will be a similar game intensity-wise, so we have to be ready and we will be.’
Sean Dyche could secure safety with an Everton result vs Liverpool
Between now and Everton’s clash with Liverpool, Dyche’s men have the opportunity to pull away from the relegation rabble, provided today’s points deduction is not too severe.
After all, a trip to Chelsea is far from the formidable task it once was, and then hosting Nottingham Forest could condemn them further to the drop should the Toffees win.
So, by that point, it might pose a huge opportunity for the home side to put the final seal on their safety with an emphatic result, whether that be a draw or an unlikely win, and in turn, kill Liverpool’s title hopes.
Goodison Park has been far from sparkling this season, but under floodlights on a Wednesday night, with all that could be at stake for both teams, promises fireworks.
With safety and title glory potentially on the line, we might actually see one of the fiercest and most competitive derbies in recent memory.
We can only hope that Everton come out the other side unscathed.