Paul Wheelock - The damage could be too much
This is arguably Everton’s biggest game in more than 20 years. Quite rightly you could argue the 2009 FA Cup final, the semi-finals under David Moyes and Roberto Martinez, and any number in the 2004-05 run-in were bigger, but the thought of losing tonight does not bear thinking about.
It should be remembered that even if the worst happens at Turf Moor, the Blues would still be outside the relegation places, and there would still be nine matches to play. But given the confidence of Frank Lampard’s squad is already brittle, who knows what psychological damage defeat could do? And, equally, what victory could do for Burnley, who already have a better run of remaining fixtures in April - Norwich City (A), West Ham United (A), Southampton (H), Wolves (H), Watford (A) - than Everton.
But let’s try and be confident. It was an improved display at West Ham (which wasn’t hard on Crystal Palace) at the weekend and cut out the mistakes that proved so costly at the London Stadium, and there is no reason why the Blues cannot win. Burnley are in dreadful form themselves. And a win really could transform what has the potential to be the most nervy end to the season since 1997-98. That’s why this evening’s game is so big. It’s must-not-lose at the very least. Defeat, though, and it will be looking very grim indeed.
Does relegation survival all rest on tonight's performance? Do you agree with Paul or Joe? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Joe Rimmer - Everton have the advantage - even if they lose tonight
Everton losing this evening may be the lowest point of the season so far.
But it's not the point of no return. Not yet. Because Everton have something Burnley simply cannot boast. An advantage stronger than any player in either side.
And that's Goodison Park.
Yes, the away form has been woeful. But should Everton lose tonight, they'll still sit one point ahead of Sean Dyche's side with nine matches left to play.
Of those nine games, five are at Goodison. A ground where the Toffees have won six times this season. In contrast, Burnley have won just twice at Turf Moor.
Manchester United, Leicester, Chelsea, Brentford and Crystal Palace still have to travel to Merseyside and you'd think that three wins would be more than enough to pull clear. Everton can do it.
Lose tonight and it'll hurt like hell. But if the fans come together then Goodison Park can still be Everton's saviour.
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