Everton have had a two-week break to prepare for the home visit of Tottenham Hotspur.
A lot has changed in North London during that time with Antonio Conte departing his managerial post.
Assistant manager Cristian Stellini will take interim charge for the match against the Toffees, who come in off the back of a credible 2-2 draw at Chelsea.
It will be interesting to see whether their hero in that match will be given a start against Spurs.
Simms to start?
Ellis Simms announced himself in an Everton shirt with a late equaliser at Stamford Bridge, slaloming past Kalidou Koulibaly and finishing expertly.
Despite this, it’s not for certain that the 22-year-old will start only his third match for the Toffees tonight.
Demarai Gray has done a more than exemplary job leading the line these past few matches and his work ethic and dribbling ability could be the key to unlocking the Tottenham defence.
Leaving Simms on the bench would also take some pressure off his young shoulders and ease the expectations of some of the more optimistic among the fanbase who will be hoping for the goals to now start flying in.
One to watch – Amadou Onana
Amadou Onana is a name who has been dividing opinions from supporters of late.
Some expect more from the £33m man whilst others believe too much is being expected of a lad still so young.
The fact he captained Belgium for the final ten minutes of their 3-2 win over Germany last Tuesday will have only added weight to the former argument.
A quality performance against Tottenham could aid him in quelling some of the doubts over his ability that have started to creep in.
One to watch – Harry Kane
Fortunately for the most pessimistic of Everton supporters, Richarlison has been ruled out of the match with injury, meaning he will have to wait to return to Goodison Park for the first time since his departure last summer.
However, Harry Kane still presents a considerable challenge to the Blues’ chances of getting anything from this game.
The centre forward, who recently became England’s all-time record goalscorer, has scored 15 times in 16 appearances against Everton.
Bouyed by breaking his country’s record, he will be keen to add to that tally this evening.
Final thoughts
A lot of Evertonians will have been hoping the Tottenham hierarchy stuck with Conte for just one more game at least and there is every chance that Spurs will experience the new manager bounce.
But on the other hand, there’s a chance the Toffees will be facing up against a club in complete disarray, managed by a man who has no idea if he will still be at the helm next week.
Regardless, the belief Sean Dyche has instilled within the club means they will fancy their chances against anyone under the Goodison lights.
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