‘At a crossroads’ – what does the future hold for Calvert-Lewin and Dyche?

Since Dyche took charge in January 2023, the former Burnley boss has opted for a 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1 formation, leaving Calvert-Lewin as the lone man up front and that lack of support has perhaps been to the detriment of his recent goalscoring record.

And that “change it Dyche” shout appears to have substance to it.

This season, Everton have made the fewest substitutions per game than any Premier League side and statistics show the first alteration is usually made after the hour mark.

The manager’s reluctance to adapt his template has meant Calvert-Lewin and fellow striker Beto have started just one game together since the Portuguese forward’s arrival on Merseyside at the beginning of last season.

Against the background of the lingering takeover talk, strict spending constraints leading to a threadbare squad and being docked points for breaching financial rules, Dyche has managed to stave off relegation for the past two seasons.

However, it looks like another battle for survival ahead this season, with Everton in 15th place, just three points above the drop zone.

Everton have lost only one of their past eight games but that was 1-0 reverse at strugglers Southampton.

Club sources had said in September that Dyche’s position was “safe” as he had credit in the bank for the job done during his tenure and the takeover uncertainty has left the club in a state of flux, which probably means he clings on to his position until the purchase is complete.

But supporter and pundit sentiment appears to be shifting on the 53-year-old, whose win rate of 32.5% is lower than previous managers Roberto Martinez, Ronald Koeman and Marco Silva, who were all sacked.

“Rightly praised for the job he did in his first 18 months at the club, there is a sense within the fanbase that his race is run,” Everton fan Mike Richards wrote in his weekly column for BBC Sport.

At full-time on Saturday, the sentiment was clearly evident with loud jeers echoing around Goodison Park.

Dyche said of the reaction: “They can direct it at whoever they want. They expect us to win. I expect us to win.”

Stubbs added: “We are too one dimensional and too predictable, teams can work us out easily. I see players that are tired mentally and physically drained.”

Asked if Dyche will remain as manager next season, Stubbs replied: “I personally don’t think so, the end of the season needs to be a clean slate for whoever is coming in.”

With the Friedkin Group’s takeover of the club looking like being completed next month and games against Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City all coming up in December, that treacherous run of games could make or break Dyche’s tenure at Everton.