Everton set for a not-so Merry Christmas after daunting Premier League reveal
If Everton are to secure victory against Burnley, they will have to overcome a five-year omen in the process.
Everton travel to face Burnley on Saturday, knowing that a win could push them up into the top six for the end of 2025.
The Clarets have won just two games at Turf Moor so far this season, while Everton have already won three times on their travels.
However, if that is to become four this weekend, the Toffees will have to do something that they haven’t managed since 2020.
Everton have a Christmas hangover to overcome
Everton are having a solid season by all accounts, and their ability to progress even further will largely be determined by their ability to recruit a new number nine in January.
However, with one more game to be played before the transfer window opens, full attention will be on that, and for good reason.
Everton have lost four of their last six encounters that have fallen between Christmas and Boxing Day, with two draws in that time.
The last time that Everton won a festive fixture was back in 2020, when Carlo Ancelotti‘s side secured a 1-0 victory at Bramall Lane during the COVID campaign.
Depending on the results elsewhere, Everton could actually drop to 15th if they were to suffer a defeat against Burnley, showcasing the importance of overcoming that hoodoo.
Everton have another worrying record to overcome
This season especially, the newly-promoted teams have seen far more capable than those who have preceded them, with Sunderland the clear outlier.
However, Leeds and Burnley have both shown signs of promise, and the Toffees will need to be aware of that this weekend.
Not only because of the danger of complacency, but also because Everton have won only two of their last 14 away games against Premier League newcomers.
One of those was away to Ipswich last season, while the other was, ironically, away to Burnley in December 2023.
The Toffees have suffered five defeats in these kinds of encounters, with five draws.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @goodisonnews