MEDIA WATCH

What The Papers Say - 4 April

The views on this page are taken from the local and national media and do not necessarily reflect the views of Everton.

Former winger Theo Walcott has backed Everton to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Sean Dyche's side came from behind to secure a point away to Newcastle United on Tuesday, and the former Blues forward believes there is enough quality in the squad to steer the Club to safety.

Speaking on the BBC's Planet Premier League podcast, Walcott said: "I think it was a big point at Newcastle, but I am wary that with the new stadium as well, they need to be in the Premier League and it would be sad to see them go down.

"I do feel that they will just about have enough, even if they get a points deduction. I just feel like with the experience they've got, they've got a lot of experience in that dressing room still and they've been in these relegation battles for a couple of years, so they should be ready for it again."

Looking ahead to this weekend's return to Goodison Park as Everton host Burnley, the Liverpool ECHO speculates that three changes could be made to the side that started earlier in the week.

Rhys Thomas of the local outlet believes James Garner, Andre Gomes and Dominic Calvert-Lewin could come in for Saturday's match after making an impact off the bench at St James' Park.

"Dominic Calvert-Lewin ended his long scoring drought from the penalty sport, whilst James Garner hit the post and put the cross in which led to the penalty being awarded. Andre Gomes also added poise and energy to the engine room," he wrote.

"The trio who came on after 60 minutes at Newcastle have all made cases to start at the weekend. Calvert-Lewin's confidence should be buoyed after his successful penalty ended a 23-game goalless streak.

"Gomes and Garner’s technical security was valuable at St James’ Park and Dyche could look to utilise this aspect from the start against Burnley in a game where Everton should see more of the ball.

"If Gomes and Garner are introduced from the off, then two of Doucoure, Gueye, and Onana will likely have to make way. Doucoure is the Blues’ top scorer this campaign, but Gomes has netted twice since the Mali international’s last goal in December.

"Up front, Dyche has chopped and changed between Calvert-Lewin and Beto of late, with neither having the desired effect of consistent goals. The Englishman may be favoured on Saturday having ended his drought, and Everton will hope that penalty acts as a springboard for the striker to rediscover his goalscoring touch."