Sean Dyche has urged Everton to ‘deliver a performance’ as the club look to secure their Premier League status this weekend.
Everton head into the final day in danger of relegation from the Premier League, but know a win at home to Bournemouth will guarantee the club’s place in the top division for another season.
Dyche has addressed the media ahead of a must-win game for the Toffees and hopes Everton can make a fast start at Goodison Park.
“It is not that easy. You are still playing a team trying to win the game. Bournemouth are a good team,” he told his pre-match press conference.
“We have been speaking about our values, how we want to approach the game and taking the task on.
“We have to remember the good work that has been done and use it to our advantage when the whistle blows”
Dyche confirmed that Dominic Calvert-Lewin will miss the clash with a hamstring issue, while Nathan Patterson is also sidelined. Vitaly Mykolenko remains a doubt, though Amadou Onana is fit and available.
Asked how Everton will cope without Calvert-Lewin, Dyche said: “When he got injured in my first game [v Arsenal in February] we knew it was not going to be a 10-day injury, so we had to find another way.
“We have found that way and it is going to be important we do that again in what will be a very important game.”
Everton are short of options at centre-forward and full-back this weekend, but Dyche said it was ‘unlikely’ the club would turn to academy players for such a high-stakes game.
“It is unlikely that you put very young players into a situation like that. We are not in a situation where we have to, but some young players will be in the squad.”
Dyche admits everyone at Everton is aware of the magnitude of this weekend’s game, as the club look to avoid a first relegation since 1951.
“All games are important but it stands to reason that being the last game and what is on it it is a massive game. I don’t really need to emphasise that, everybody knows it. We go into open-minded as it is what it is, that’s the challenge of being a footballer.”
Dyche called on his team to deliver a performance this weekend and ‘give something back’ to the ‘terrific’ Everton supporters.
“The messages have been consistent. To the players it is about delivering a performance. Working with them all week they are in good spirits and good physical shape.
“And to the fans the same thing, they have been terrific. I’d never question the fans. They have been terrific since I’ve been here and I’m sure they were before me. Their affection for the club and desire to do well is there. The team has to respond to that and give something back, which is what we are looking to do.”
