Idrissa Gueye returns in one change – Confirmed Everton XI v Tottenham
Everton have confirmed their starting XI for their Premier League clash against Tottenham at Goodison Park on Saturday (3 February).
The Toffees are back in the drop zone following a goalless draw with Fulham in midweek and are aiming to end a run of five games without a Premier League victory.
Sean Dyche has made one change from the side that drew 0-0 at Craven Cottage (30 January) with Idrissa Gueye returning to the team after his exploits at the African Cup of Nations with Senegal.
Arnaut Danjuma, Amadou Onana and Abdoulaye Doucoure are missing from the line-up having failed late fitness tests.
Premier League relegation fears could take another turn at Everton
Everton have won just one of their last nine matches – a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace in their FA Cup third-round replay two weeks ago.
Their Premier League record in recent weeks has been incredibly disappointing with no win in five and failing to score in their last three, which means the Tottenham clash feels like an absolute must-win.
Fail to claim all three points and their relegation fears could yet take another steep turn, especially with Luton Town building some confidence after their midweek trouncing over Brighton.
The 0-0 draw against Fulham in West London was actually a decent result considering the recent slide in results and notable absences for the Toffees.
The Toffees did incredibly well to climb clear of the relegation zone not so long ago, but they have taken just one point from the past 12 on offer.
Everton fans will be forgiven for wishing for what might have been had they not suffered their 10-point deduction but now face the threat of even more if they’re not careful.
Its three points are crucially needed against Tottenham, no matter how difficult the game may be.
In other Everton news, a “desperate” twist emerged in the club’s late pursuit of Jake O’Brien.
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