Who’d have thought it? Something akin to a relegation six-pointer in October.
It’ll be the Blues’ first visit to the Amex Stadium, and a visit an under-pressure Ronald Koeman will want to take maximum points from.
Sunday’s the day, half one is the time, all the makings of a live game on the small screen.
But no, unless you’re in India that is…
So, hardcore away followers will have an extra early alarm at the ready for this one. Thanks, Modern Football.
Chris Hughton’s side currently sit above the Toffees due to a superior goal difference so to say this is a must win is an understatement.
But it will be no walk in the park, because three points on Sunday would be only Everton’s second away triumph in the whole of 2017… the last coming at Crystal Palace in January.
It’s a dire record that desperately needs improving now.
Who should the Blues be keeping an extra close eye on?
Anthony Knockaert is yet to find his feet just yet in England’s top flight but has proved he’s got quality whilst he’s been in the Championship, with Brighton and with Leicester.
A tricky winger who is not afraid to take a man or two on, but like one of our own, Kevin Mirallas, the Frenchman struggles with consistency.
A massive factor behind Brighton’s promotion to the Premier League was the relationship that Lewis Dunk and former Everton youngster Shane Duffy built at the back.
The pair will no doubt give an already weak and struggling Toffees forward-line a tough time.
Pascal Groβ has been a revelation since his summer move from German side FC Ingolstadt, a bright spark in the Seagulls midfield, being recognised by the league with a nomination for the player of the month award for September.
But onto the mighty, I live in hope, blues of Everton…
Confidence will be low, it is a result based business and that is exactly the opposite of what Everton are getting now, with a dismal Goodison loss to Burnley two weeks ago still fresh in the mind.
It’s a long, long period for Koeman to dwell on that performance and hopefully enough time to assess his options and put things right.
All the internationals have returned to Finch Farm unscathed and captain Phil Jagielka is fit for a return after a few weeks on the side-lines.
Meaning it’s only the long-term absentees who are not available for selection.
If the reports are to be believed this may just be the biggest month in Koeman’s managerial career, with the sack allegedly looming over him.
So there will be no one in the ground craving a win more than him. Hopefully this is the day where it all clicks and Everton are once again, on the up.