Everton are facing a battle to ensure they avoid relegation from the Premier League.
The Blues go into the international break in 15th place in the league standings, two points above the bottom three. However, they have played more matches than Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, Leicester City and Bournemouth, who are all below them in the Premier League table.
Sean Dyche’s side have 10 Premier League fixtures left between now and the end of the season. So, when they return to action after the international break, they will be looking to get as many points as possible to avoid dropping into the Championship.
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While all of their remaining fixtures will present a challenge to Everton, some will be tougher than others. And here the ECHO takes a look at the five hardest matches that the Blues have left in the Premier League.
5 - Tottenham Hotspur (H) - April 3
Everton’s first match back after the international break is a home clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
Anytime the Blues face one of the contenders for the top four it’s always a difficult contest, but this time it’s with the added spice of Monday Night Football.
Everton will have Goodison Park on their side, but you don’t often know which Tottenham are going to turn up.
Given Spurs' unpredictability, this makes it potentially one of Everton’s toughest remaining fixtures.
4 - Newcastle United (H) - April 27
Another home clash against a top-four contender, and this time it’s Newcastle United.
The Magpies are in a more consistent run of form than Tottenham, but that could change by the time the fixture rolls around at the end of April.
Everton will be hoping that when this match arrives that they are further clear of the relegation zone, while also hoping that Newcastle have either secured their place in the top four or fallen away.
In either case, the match will present a tough challenge for Sean Dyche and his players.
3 - Brighton (A) - May 6
Brighton seem to be the surprise package this season, and not many teams will fancy going to the Amex Stadium to face them.
But that’s what Everton must do at the start of May. And given that is getting close to the end of the season, this match could play a key role in what league the Blues are playing in next season.
The draw away at Chelsea will give Everton confidence that they can hold their own against the teams at the top end of the table away from home.
What is certain, though, is that the Blues will be faced with a tough challenge when they travel to the south coast next month.
2 - Manchester City (H) - May 13
Any time Everton face Manchester City, you expect it to be one of if not the hardest match they will face.
This time it’s certainly up there, but not quite the hardest of their run-in.
Being at Goodison Park will help Everton, and if you factor in that it’s in the final two weeks of the season, if there is a lot riding on the result for the Blues then the crowd will let them know it.
Pep Guardiola’s side haven’t been as formidable as in previous seasons, but they do have Erling Haaland, who has proven he’s capable of winning games almost single-handedly.
Without question, one of Everton’s hardest remaining fixtures this season.
1 - Manchester United (A) - April 8
An away trip to Manchester United is what could be Everton’s toughest remaining fixture.
United are in a good run of form this season under Erik ten Hag, and seem even stronger when on their home turf.
Everton haven't been known for getting good results at Old Trafford in the past, and this season may be the most difficult of campaigns to achieve on.
When you factor in all of that, plus being away from home, this is what makes it Everton’s hardest remaining fixture this season.
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