As long as the Covid gods, the Premier League, and probably Sky TV shine on Goodison Park on the second day of 2022, The Blues should play their first match since the middle of December.
The last three Everton matches have been postponed either through Covid or whatever.
So let’s look at the benefits. The main benefit is the additional time Everton’s injury list has had to heal.
It looks more and more likely that Dominic Calvert-Lewin will play some part against Brighton. The Talismanic No. 9 has been sorely missed. Everton haven’t been able to fill his space adequately. He scored three goals in his first three outings. His aerial presence has been missed in both boxes.
Arguably, the extended time off has given Rafa Benitez more time to blend in his younger players with the rest of the squad.
Now for the negatives, Everton have missed three straight matches and no matter what is done on the training pitch, it doesn’t match up to actual game time.
The Blues’ next game after a rousing 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, where the youngsters showed what they were capabale of. Now, you would like to imagine, Everton with fans behind them at Goodison would have been more than a match for Leicester, but then again this is Everton.
Finally, will Benitez continue to give players like Jarrad Branthwaite, Lewis Dobbin, and Ellis Simms additional shots? Or will he revert to his old favourites like Salomon Rondon? You have to think a space will be found for Anthony Gordon.
But once again, this is Everton and you never know.