Everton are back in Premier League action this weekend for the final time this season, with a trip to Arsenal once again rounding off their campaign.
In what will be a repeat fixture at the conclusion of the 2021/22 term, Sean Dyche will hope to avoid a similar fate, as Frank Lampard’s side were crushed 5-1 by a rampant Gunners side who had just lost the title to Manchester City.
Whilst the hosts will still be in with a chance of winning the league this time around, it is unfortunately out of their hands, with the unstoppable force that is Pep Guardiola’s winning machine on course for an unprecedented four titles in a row with their mid-week win over Tottenham Hotspur.
These are the kind of accolades that the Toffees could only dream of, but for now, merely avoiding the drop is enough to keep this fanbase content.
However, a final-day win on the road at a ground where they have seldom had much luck would be a nice way to round off a truly arduous season.
Predicted Everton XI for Premier League match vs Arsenal
Dyche is expected to make just two changes from the side that cruised to victory over Sheffield United last weekend.
In goal, Jordan Pickford has stunned all campaign, and were it not for Sunday’s opposition, he would sit alone at the top of the clean sheet charts.
That defensive success is also owed to the consistently exceptional performances of Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski, with their ever-present pairing offering the foundation of their success.
Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young, as two of a limited pool of options in the full-back areas, will also likely retain their spots to make up the rest of the backline.
Midfield, however, is where he could see one big alteration, welcoming Lewis Warrington into the starting side for his full Premier League debut.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a brief cameo last time out alongside Idrissa Gueye and Amadou Onana, but after a gruelling past month, the former could drop out to allow the youngster his opportunity to shine.
Dwight McNeil and James Garner will likely have to remain on the wings due to Jack Harrison’s injury, and they will hope to supply a new strike partnership that will surely have fans excited.
After all, Abdoulaye Doucoure has hardly impressed despite scoring last time out, having failed to find the net in the previous 14 beforehand.
The £20m midfielder could therefore bow out in order for Dyche to trial the pairing of both Youssef Chermiti and Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the same time, to see how that fares against the best defence in the division.