Iwobi’s Everton face uphill task in battle against relegation

Everton, the English Premier League club of Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi, have taken a huge blow as Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Nathan Patterson and Ben Godfrey are all ruled out in tomorrow’s last battle to escape relegation.

There are doubts over Vitaliy Mykolenko, but Amadou Onana is fit to play. Andros Townsend is “unlikely” to be involved. On facing Bournemouth in a bid to survive: “All games are important but it is a massive game, I don’t need to emphasise that. We are open-minded over the challenge ahead. Things needed a lot of work, a lot of change and I was not expecting it to be an easy run,” coach Dyche said.

On the pressure of the final game: “Players should expect to be under pressure for every game given the stature of the club, it is Everton Football Club. That is the demand. Every game should be under pressure.”

On involvement of fans: “You have to use the feeling of the stadium to your advantage. We have a decent level of experience about the ups and downs of football. We want the players to focus on the game. Don’t worry about anything off the pitch, focus on the performance.”

Asked whether he will be keeping across the other scores, Dyche said: “It will be apparent with the noise around the stadium and someone on the staff will be checking up on it.”

Reports suggested, external Everton are looking to replace Dyche, with an approach made to Botafago manager Luis Castro. The Toffees boss said of the rumours: “It is fair to say, interesting reports. I don’t know where they come from. Businesses worldwide, who knows what will happen and everyone should be succession planning. I certainly won’t be worrying about that.”