In nine Premier League fixtures in November and December, Everton face West Ham, Leicester and Crystal Palace of the current top six, but also the current bottom three, Aston Villa, Sunderland and Newcastle, plus Bournemouth, Norwich and Stoke, so Toffees’ fans can look forward to a prosperous festive season.

In the meantime, the Blues must negotiate ties against Manchester United at Goodison Park and Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium but, having been beaten just once in eight Premier League outings so far this season, they must be brimming with confidence. Certainly, they were value for at least a point in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on the Saturday before last and, with Romanu Lukaku starting to repay his £28 million price tag, their prospects look bright.

Manchester United had only lost once, away to Swansea City, prior to their own visit to the Emirates Stadium two weeks ago, but were brought firmly down to earth by a 3-0 defeat in which they rarely threatened. Louis van Gaal, who’s spent over £250 million since taking the reigns at United, had had plenty of time to reflect on his selection of Ashley Young at left-back and Daley Blind at centre-back and his side could be bolstered by the return of Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, Marcos Rojo and Ander Herrera from injury.

Even so, the Red Devils lacked pace and strength in defence and midfield against the Gunners so, with Lukaku adding goals to his aerial and physical presence, they could be up against it once again. Everton make no little appeal at 5/2 with Bet365 for a home win but, for a shade of value, let’s try both teams to score and Everton to win at 6/1 with Sky Bet.

Selection: Both teams to score and Everton to win (6/1 with Sky Bet)