Everton are on a five-game winless run.
Tottenham are also on a five-game winless run.
Both sides looked like their seasons had the potential to be something special now their seasons both could be finished, especially their league campaigns.
However this match could be a catalyst for either side to go on a winning run until the end the season.
Whether a winning run would actually catapult either side into the precious top four spaces remains to be seen but it would be a huge surprise to see Everton or Spurs playing in Europe’s elite next season.
Therefore it will be about getting into the Europa League and avoiding the Europa conference league.
Getting into the Europa League will show improvement from Everton who finished in a depressing 12th place last season so of course there is something huge to play for but realistically Ancelotti’s men should be well in the mix for the top four.
Draws against Crystal Palace and Brighton should have been wins and if they were Everton would have well been in the race.
They’ve let themselves down like Tottenham who bottled a two-goal league in the Europa League against Dinamo Zagreb and ever since being top of the league in the early stages of the season Mourinho’s team have been on a downwards trajectory.
There is a slight difference between the two though as Everton have had some bad injury struggles which thankfully seem to be coming to an end.
Jordan Pickford, Allan, Andre Gomes and Josh King will all be back available for Everton against Tottenham.
Whilst Yerry Mina, Fabian Delph, Bernard and Dominic Calvert-Lewin will all be back next week.
Maybe if the injury problems weren’t as bad as they have been Everton would be in a much better position than eighth place.
But you cannot stand still and think about what could have been in this sport, Carlo Ancelotti will know more than anyone after the 2005 Champions League final.
The Italian said in his pre-match press conference: “We dropped some points in the last few games. We need to get the result against Tottenham and then we have some important games.
“It is open for everyone but difficult for everyone.”
So he has made it clear that this game is vital for any European hopes for the blue side of Merseyside.
Ancelotti is also expecting the battle to go to the wire.
“To judge our season, we have to wait until the end. It could be a fantastic season if we reach Europe. It could be a good season if we don’t do this.
“I think it will go the last game. Lots of teams have inconsistent result.”
Both sides need to stop having the inconsistent results that have ruined any optimism supporters had and Friday night football will be a great time to change that.
Whilst Tottenham do still have a League Cup final to play for they have to be in the two European competitions that mean something next year.
Now or never for Jose Mourinho with the pressure coming down on him.
Ancelotti can still make the season a success for Everton but he will not want any pressure from his own fans.
A win can change the perspective of either of these sides’ seasons, it is a big one to say the least.
