Venue: Goodison Park
Date: 15/05/2016
Kick-off: 15:00 (BST)
Match
After months of discontent, Everton have inevitably dispensed with the services of manager Roberto Martinez recently and although it was a bitter end to a man who has conducted himself admirably over the past few seasons, the decision perhaps was the right one.
Now Everton head into the summer in search of a high profile boss and the likes of Rafael Benitez, David Moyes and even Jose Mourinho have all been linked with the position at Goodison Park.
Martinez sacked by Everton
One can only speculate as to who will be appointed next season but as for now, David Unsworth and legend Joe Royle will be taking over the reins during the final game of the season against Norwich City on Sunday.
Overall, it has been a quite terrible season for Everton but the players will want to give the fans a positive end heading into the summer and it will be interesting to see how the Toffees perform post Martinez.
Everton Team News
Legendary goalkeeper Tim Howard will be leaving the club after Sunday’s encounter and the veteran will surely be starting on the day. Howard has become a fans’ favourite over the last ten years and his exit will surely bring about some tears in the stands.
In defence, it looks like the first choice backline of Seamus Coleman, Phil Jagielka, John Stones and Leighton Baines will be starting but Ramiro Funes Mori is available once again and could feature on the day as well.
Howard to play his final game for Everton
At the middle of the park, the duo of James McCarthy and Ross Barkley are the players likely to start while Aaron Lennon and Kevin Mirallas look set to occupy the wide areas. Leon Osman, Ross Barkley and Darron Gibson will also be in contention.
Oumar Niasse was arrested on suspicion of assault on Saturday and will not be available for the clash and it looks like the duo of Arouna Kone and Romelu Lukaku will be leading the line for the Toffees on the day.
Probable Lineups
Everton (Probable XI): Howard; Baines, Stones, Jagielka, Coleman; Mirallas, Barkley, McCarthy, Lennon; Kone, Lukaku
Norwich City (Probable XI): Ruddy; Olsson, Martin, Bennett, Pinto; Dorrans, O’Neil, Hoolahan, Redmond, Naismith; Mbokani
Last Meeting
12/12/2015 Norwich City 1 – 1 Everton
27/10/2015 Everton 1 – 1 Norwich City
Prediction
Everton have lost only once in their last eight encounters against Norwich City but as a mark of how closely matched these two sides are, six of the matches have ended in draws.
The clash on Sunday is likely to be another very closely fought encounter and although Everton look the favourites as they are squaring off against an already relegated Norwich outfit, claiming a victory will be anything but easy.
The match will be a close encounter and Everton might just be able to claim the three points on the day in front of the home fans.
Everton 2 – 1 Norwich City
