Seventh-placed Everton can leapfrog sixth-placed Manchester United with victory on Sunday. Three points would be an overdue response from the Blues as three defeats in five league games has derailed momentum and a previously positive start to the season.
Suspension negates the annual Wayne Rooney subplot, but United showed their capabilities in midweek against West Ham and Everton cannot allow the visitors to settle and continue their League Cup exploits.
On paper, it appears a mouthwatering spectacle between two teams on the cusp of the European places -- and it may yet turn out to be -- but in truth, both clubs owe their league placing more to a division low on quality.