A new era is abut to get underway at Everton as Sean Dyche takes control as first-team manager.
The former Burnley boss will need to call upon all his past experiences in the Premier League as he attempts to steer the Blues to safety with 18 matches remaining in the season.
A number of teams remain involved in the battle to beat the drop, ensuring Everton still have the potential to escape their current situation and rise up the table.
READ MORE: Everton legend Duncan Ferguson endures nightmare end to first Forest Green Rovers game
LIVE UPDATES: Everton transfers and new manager latest as Sean Dyche set to be appointed
As Dyche prepares to oversee his first fixture at the helm, we have looked ahead to the run of games he must negotiate to kick-start his reign in the best possible manner.
February 4 - Arsenal (H) - As far a starts to a new job go, it doesn't get much tougher than this. Mikel Arteta's side are flying this season and will enter this fixture at Goodison Park full of confidence. Sweeping sides aside in their push for Premier League glory, the Gunners are favourites to become champions in May and their performances this term demonstrate why.
February 13 - Liverpool (A) - Game number two for Dyche is among the biggest of all: a Merseyside derby. The Blues ended their Anfield hoodoo during the 2020/21 season and the new Everton boss knows what it takes to win at Anfield, having ended the Reds' 68-game unbeaten home league run in January 2021.
February 18 - Leeds (H) - A vitally important fixture on the back of two challenging contests. Leeds United managed to stay up last season, having been tipped to go down by many, and are currently looking over their shoulder after an inconsistent few weeks. The Whites are only one point above the bottom three and could soon be feeling the pressure unless results improve.
February 25 - Aston Villa (H) - Finding form following the arrival of Unai Emery, the West Midlands club looked to have turned a corner and have climbed the table after three Premier League wins out of a possible five since the Premier League restart in December.
March 5 - Nottingham Forest (A) - Similarly to Villa, Nottingham Forest have been growing in confidence after an initial tough start to life back in the top-flight. Described by many as destined for the drop, Steve Cooper has inspired his players to victories over Southampton and Leicester to change perceptions over the ability of his group.
READ NEXT
Everton set for £64m windfall but new transfer challenges are on horizon
Carlo Ancelotti speaks out after son Davide linked to Everton manager job
Who Sean Dyche could sign as 'three or four transfers' expected at Everton
Sean Dyche has four issues he needs to address immediately at Everton
'It doesn't matter' - Slaven Bilic sends blunt message to Everton fans over 'atmosphere'
