Leeds United travel to Merseyside this afternoon to take on Sean Dyche's Everton in the Premier League. The Whites will be looking to claim their first league win since November and they know three points would provide a huge boost to their hopes of survival.
Ahead of the game, Leeds Live caught up with Liverpool Echo's Everton correspondent Joe Thomas to get the inside track on the Toffees.
Sean Dyche is two games into his tenure at Goodison Park following his arrival last month, how have things changed under the new boss?
Sean Dyche brought an air of assertiveness and confidence to a club that was at rock bottom. As supporters desperately sought hope following a dismal run of form after the World Cup break and a January transfer window in which no additions arrived to strengthen a struggling squad, Dyche's experience and comfort in managing a side in Everton's predicament offered reassurance. When his first game delivered an impressive performance in which Everton outplayed and outfought Arsenal, the future no longer looked so grim. The defeat at Anfield in the Merseyside derby was frustrating, but Everton often conspire to disappoint when they cross Stanley Park. Not too much will be read into that result but the lack of passion on display was a concern and that, coupled with news that Dominic Calvert-Lewin's injury issues look set to persist, has led to a bit more anxiety creeping in.
The feeling towards the board at Everton has been well documented, what sort of atmosphere can Leeds expect on Saturday?
The atmosphere within Goodison Park will be electric. It can be one of the most hostile Premier League grounds for opposing teams when the stands are united with the players and, whatever is happening off the pitch, Everton supporters know just how important this game is. Blues fans have shown how effective they can be at challenging the board whilst backing the players and that will continue against Leeds. Expect a cauldron of intensity and passion.
This weekend’s game is huge for Leeds. How crucial would three points be for Everton and what gives you confidence they’ll get the result?
Everton are heading towards 'must win' territory but I don't think that is the case against Leeds. It is certainly 'must not lose' though. A defeat could leave Everton as many as four points from safety and while months of the season remain, that would be a significant psychological blow. Should Everton win, the rise out of the bottom three and haul of six points from Dyche's first three games would be a massive boost.
Any confidence I have lies in Everton playing a club in just as much of a mess. The stakes are as high for Leeds and not having a manager - and the length of time that search is taking - cannot be ideal. While it is clear Leeds have goals in them, they do appear vulnerable at the back - though Everton without Calvert-Lewin are significantly weakened.
Where can Leeds hurt Everton, what’s Everton’s biggest weakness?
Everton as a defensive unit can be resilient and formidable, as shown so recently against Arsenal. The problem Dyche has is scoring goals. Without Calvert-Lewin he needs someone else to step up and at the moment it is unclear who that will be. None of the options he has available are suited to the 4-5-1 system he has so far favoured. It feels increasingly like he will have to sacrifice a midfielder to play two up top but that will weaken that Everton defensive machine. The side has been most vulnerable in transition - its problems tend to come when it is trying to attack rather than when trying to defend. Dyche may have to risk what solidity he has to provide some sort of attacking threat and that could be an issue.
How will Everton line up and who is the danger man?
Dyche has favoured 4-5-1 but without a target man it is unclear how that could work going forward. Everton were toothless at Anfield. Demarai Gray has been Everton's best player since the World Cup break and one of few genuine attacking threats. His best performances have come in a central role too. So he could cause problems if he earns his first start under Dyche on Saturday. Otherwise, watch out for James Tarkowski at the back post at corners.
How do you see the game going?
I fear this will be a tense game wracked in anxiety. The crowd will be behind Everton and I have faith in Dyche's ability to organise the team. A lot will depend on who scores first - Everton are far more capable at defending a lead than chasing a game.
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