Everton host Burnley this weekend in a match which has the capability to transform the fates of these sides this season.

With the uncertainty around Everton and Nottingham Forest's points deductions, the relegation could be flipped on its head any day with an announcement from the Premier League.

This uncertainty should only motivate sides to pick up as many points as they can. In Everton's case they could fall back into the bottom three if their deduction is changed.

In Burnley's case if Forest's deduction is increased, they will somehow go from being sure of relegation to having a real chance of survival.

With all this in mind, Saturday's fixture is a must win for both sides.

In the reverse fixture it was Sean Dyche's side who came away with all three points thanks to goals from Amadou Onana and Michael Keane.

Despite what the league table will tell you, if you forget the points deduction Everton would be 14th and 13 points clear of Burnley who sit in 19th currently.

So this game isn't exactly the typical matchup between two sides fighting for survival.

Everton are heavily favoured in this match not only due to their overall quality compared to Burnley and their impressive record against the Clarets but also because of Goodison Park.

I would expect Goodison Park to be as noisy as ever this Saturday with the Evertonians knowing just how crucial the match will be to their season.

In Everton’s last match they were dominated against Newcastle United at St James’ Park but held on to get a late equaliser through a Dominic Calvert-Lewin penalty, ending the striker’s 23-game goal drought.

“I hope everyone who travelled was happy to see me hit the back of the net and know how much it means to me. I’ve got no doubt that the tap is open now, and I’m going to start scoring more goals."@CalvertLewin14 🦋

— Everton (@Everton) April 3, 2024

The result may have made it 13 games without a Premier League win for the toffees, a record that goes as far back as 1957, but it may be the luck they need to push them on.

With a massive winless run, beating Burnley is the perfect chance to get back to winning ways and ensure that Everton stay away from the relegation zone while this uncertainty hovers over them.

Burnley have it all to do, against Everton and for the rest of the season. With only four wins this season in the Premier League, despite the opportunity for Burnley to stay up, there is a growing feeling that it’s now or never for the Clarets.

Last weekend’s 2-2 draw away at Stamford Bridge would’ve massively motivated Vincent Kompamny’s side in their fight for survival as they took a point from Chelsea despite losing Lorenz Assignon and Kompany in the first half as both were sent off.

With their last game being a draw against a very good Wolves side, Burnley are showing that they are capable of competing in this league. They just need to start converting these draws into wins before it’s too late.

One thing which could disrupt their fight is Kompany’s recent battle with the officials. After receiving a red card last Saturday, the FA have officially charged the Burnley manager with misconduct. This may result in a further touchline ban which is the last thing Burnley need right now.

It will be a tense game for sure with both sides desperate for a win. However, I don’t think either side will get what they want from the match as I will predict a 1-1 draw.

I think Burnley have recently found an edge to their game that they’ve been missing, which may have come with dropping James Trafford. Despite Everton being at home, and their position in the league being above Burnley, their quality in front of goals is likely to haunt them yet again.