A hot and cold first season under Marco Silva comes to an end this weekend when Everton travel to London to face off against a Spurs side on cloud nine.
A Lucas Moura inspired Tottenham outfit reached the Champions League final on Wednesday evening in the most dramatic of circumstances.
The North Londoners found themselves 3-0 down on aggregate against Ajax in the Johan Cruijff ArenA, before the Brazilian winger netted a hat trick in the second half, setting up an all English affair in Madrid on June 1.
With a top four spot all but sealed (only a massive goal swing will see them be overtaken by Arsenal on the final day), it is a case of who Mauricio Potchettino can afford to rest before the biggest game in Spurs’ recent history.
Everton don’t have much to play for on the final day, it is between the Toffees and Leicester for eighth place and even though Silva has already eclipsed last seasons point tally he won’t want to finish in a lower league position than his predecessor, Sam Allardyce.
Everton’s record in away games against Spurs is nothing short of dreadful, since winning at White Hart Lane in November 2008, nine meetings have passed by without a Blues win, Spurs have came out on top on six of those occasions.
Before Wednesday nights heroics, Tottenham found themselves on a three match losing run, with two of them coming at home — drawing blanks in all three.
Everton come into this with their heads held high having kept eight clean sheets in their last 10 outings.
The reverse fixture back in December of last year was one of Everton’s darkest days under Silva, with Spurs running out 6-2 winners at Goodison.
Team news
Influential striker Harry Kane is still missing for the home side. Heung Min Son and Juan Foyth were both given straight red cards in last weekends loss to Bournemouth. Davinson Sanchez, Jan Vertonghen and Harry Winks will miss out on the clash whilst Serge Aurier, Danny Rose and Victor Wanyama are all doubtful.
The visitors will be without joint top scorer Richarlison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin will also sit this one out.
Seamus Coleman will face a late fitness test.
Andre Gomes has served his three game ban so is once again available for selection, but this could very well be the Portuguese internationals final appearance for Everton, the same applies for Kurt Zouma and Phil Jagielka.
Man in the middle
Andre Marriner will take charge of this one, in 32 games this season he brandished 82 yellow cards and three reds
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