With just one win in seven Premier League outings, Marco Silva knows he needs to reignite Everton’s season this weekend when Bournemouth come to town.
Two seriously out of form sides will come face to face at Goodison on Sunday.
Both start the day level on points, with the Toffees’ superior goal difference acting as the gap between them and the Cherries.
Eddie Howe’s side enjoyed an eye catching opening to the season but have severely dropped off over the past few weeks.
In all competitions, Bournemouth have won just two of their last 12 matches, in the six clashes prior to this dreadful run, Howe had led his troops to five wins and a draw.
The reverse fixture in August was a feisty one, it saw Richarlison sent off for using his head and Adam Smith shown a straight red for a last man challenge on Theo Walcott.
Everton also threw away a two goal lead that day as the south coast clash ended all square.
The Blues boast a good record against Bournemouth in L4 since their promotion to the top flight in 2015. Everton have won all three games, two finishing 2-1 alongside a 6-3 mauling in February 2017 thanks to four goals from Romelu Lukaku.
Team news
Everton have no fresh injury concerns after last weekend’s win over Lincoln City in the FA Cup.
Ademola Lookman may keep his place in the starting 11 after his goalscoring exploits, but Lucas Digne is set to return at left-back.
The visitors could be without three of their key men.
Top scorer Callum Wilson, top assister Ryan Fraser and five goal forward Joshua King are all doubtful and will be assessed ahead of kick-off.
New signing Dominic Solanke won’t be available to make his Cherries bow.
One to watch
With the possibility that three of Bournemouth’s most influential players could miss the clash, their danger man could prove to be young David Brooks.
The 21-year-old Welsh international has made the perfect jump up to the PL from the Championship since his £11 million move from Sheffield United in the summer.
The winger has five goals and two assists this term and will fancy his chances running at Everton’s leaky defence.
Man in the middle
Anthony Taylor will take the whistle. Mr Taylor was referee in Everton’s 2-0 triumph over Crystal Palace earlier this season. In 27 games, he has shown a whopping 92 yellow cards and three reds.
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