Everton’s hectic Christmas period gets underway this weekend when highflying Spurs make the trip up north to Goodison Park.
The Blues find themselves in a miniature rut going into the clash, Marco Silva’s men are winless in four league outings.
Spurs aren’t exactly the ideal opponents a club would want to face in order to get out of a slump, but it would certainly make a statement if the Toffees were to hand the North Londoners just their fifth loss from 18 games this campaign.
Home hasn’t particularly been happy hunting grounds for Everton recently, with Newcastle and Watford both leaving L4 happier than the Merseysiders in recent weeks.
But on the other hand, Spurs have been ruthless on the road this season, they have won six of their last seven on the road in the Premier League.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side will come into this one with their heads held high. They booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-final after a professional 2-0 victory against bitter rivals Arsenal on Wednesday. Just their second ever win at the Emirates.
Everton haven’t tasted victory over this weekends opponents since December 2012 when late goals from Steven Pienaar and Nikica Jelavic completed a dramatic turnaround at the death. 11 games have passed in that time and Tottenham have won six of them. A dismal record that Silva will be desperate to improve.
Spurs won this fixture 3-0 last term when the end was near for Ronald Koeman.
One to watch
Spurs have a plethora of talent in their ranks, Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen to name a few.
But Heung-min Son will cause Everton’s back line problems on Sunday evening.
The South Korean international has six goals this season including a smart finish against Arsenal last time out. The 26-year-old has the potential to run his marker ragged with his pace, skill and physicality.
Team news —
Idrissa Gueye will be subject to a late fitness test to see if he can return to the side after sitting out the defeat to Manchester City.
Spurs will be without Serge Aurier, Mousa Dembele, Eric Dier, Jan Vertonghen and Victor Wanyama but Davinson Sanchez could return.
Man in the middle —
Paul Tierney will take charge of this one. In 14 games this season, including Everton’s 1-0 triumph over Cardiff City, he has dished out 50 yellow cards.