Everton's November 2024 Fixtures Are A Chance To Improve

It's not been the most promising start to Everton's last season at Goodison Park.

Sean Dyche's side headed into October's international break fractionally off the Premier League bottom three.

With only two points separating them from 18th-placed Crystal Palace, victory against newly promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday feels imperative.

Jordan Pickford saved the Toffees in their last league outing against Newcastle United, thwarting Anthony Gordon's penalty in a goalless draw at Goodison.

However, he may not be the wisest pick for the Fantasy Premier League for Everton fans following a lacklustre performance in England's disheartening 2-1 home defeat to Greece in the UEFA Nations League. 

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Everton's bid to post their second clean sheet this season will likely hinge on Jarrad Branthwaite regaining match fitness. 

Appreciated by Manchester United part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe via TEAMtalk, the prodigious centre-back missed out on Newcastle's visit with another physical setback.

James Tarkowski would be a decent choice, though. 

The experienced defender is keen to make amends after conceding a penalty against Newcastle.

In his defence, he was nothing short of outstanding for the rest of the game. 

Perhaps it's time for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to elevate his game to the next level following a series of unfathomable misses in the early campaign.

His return to form will probably be crucial to Dyche's bid to steer Everton away from relegation territory. 

After Saturday's trip to Portman Road, the Merseyside strugglers will face Fulham on home turf in their last league game in October.

Maximum points in those two matches could prove significant for Everton, with a relatively light November schedule waiting in the wings.

Southampton (A) - 02/11/2024

Widely considered the hottest relegation candidates, Southampton's immediate return to the top flight has been an epic disaster.

It's still uncertain whether manager Russell Martin would be at the helm by the time the Toffees touch down at St Mary's Stadium.

A slightly superior goal difference to Wolverhampton Wanderers was the only reason they didn't enter the break at the foot of the table.

With a single point from the opening seven games and an abysmal -11 goal difference, the Saints could be staring down the barrel of an instant relegation.

On that basis, anything other than victory from this match-up would be points dropped for Everton.

However, Dyche's lads cannot take anything for granted after slipping to two defeats on their last three visits to these shores.

West Ham United (A) - 09/11/2024

Like Everton, West Ham's season has failed to meet expectations thus far.

Another summer of lavish spending has yet to translate into consistent results, with pressure intensifying on Julen Lopetegui.

The Irons accrued only three points more than the Toffees before club season hit a pause button for a fortnight. 

But this fixture has often spelt trouble for Dyche's team over the years.

Four losses in their last six league encounters against the London outfit cannot inspire much confidence around the traveling camp.

Yet, if there was a time for Everton to defy that record, it's now.

Brentford (H) - 23/11/2024

Despite consecutive point deductions midway through the 2023/24 season, Everton finished one place above Brentford.

Against this backdrop, Thomas Frank's men have already claimed five more points than the Toffees this term.

Brentford's mid-table position only masks their immense issues on hostile turf.

The Bees have lost all three league games away from home this season, conceding multiple goals on each occasion.

On paper, this looks like a favourable match-up for Everton.

In addition to Brentford's travel sickness, Dyche's men have historically dominated in this fixture.

A three-game winning streak against the Bees perhaps best illustrates the psychological edge Everton should have.