For once, Everton will go into their final home game of a Premier League campaign with nothing on the line.
Their safety has already been assured, whilst Sheffield United’s relegation fate was sealed a long time ago. This is the very definition of a dead rubber match-up, and therefore could make it a clash with potential for some experimenting.
Saturday’s visitors have already showcased signs of that with the emergence of young Ollie Arblaster, who has even captained the side on a few occasions now.
Perhaps [Sean Dyche](https://www.everton.news/tag/sean-dyche/) could follow in those footsteps by giving some youngsters of his own their time to shine.
Sean Dyche could start Mackenzie Hunt vs Sheffield United
From the current crop of academy talents, there are a few outstanding options.
However, it would make sense to select one of those who have routinely been around the senior squad already, and thus know what it takes to get in and retain a spot.
And, with Vitaliy Myolenko still out injured, perhaps Mackenzie Hunt represents the best option for a Premier League debut.
The versatile midfielder, who has enjoyed the bulk of this season in the backline, is highly rated at the club. This is no greater exemplified than in his description on the official club website: ‘Versatile left-sided player Mackenzie Hunt boasts a potent combination of excellent technique, impressive energy and competitive fire.’
And that’s without mentioning that journalist Paddy Boyland has already outlined the 22-year-old as someone capable of ‘special’ moments.
With plenty of U21s appearances under his belt, and even more sat on the bench for the first team, perhaps he could finally get a reward for his year of patience.
Everton finally have nothing to lose
For the last two seasons now, survival has gone down to the wire.
During the 2021/22 campaign, Frank Lampard retained their Premier League status in the penultimate game of the season against Crystal Palace.
Then, the following season they took it a step further, only securing safety on the final day against AFC Bournemouth.
But this time, they have actually taken a step in the right direction, and after beating Nottingham Forest, Brentford and Liverpool all in one week, their last three matches were made redundant.
Luton Town could only muster a 1-1 draw last weekend, but on Saturday an already-relegation Blades will come to Goodison Park with nothing to play for.
The Toffees, on the other hand, will also have little incentive, and therefore there is no better time to finally bleed in some youngsters.
Hunt has spent the bulk of this season shadowing the first team, regularly appearing on the bench. So, why not give him a runout, whether it be from the start or for the last 30 minutes?
The versatile starlet could slot in at left-back, in Mykolenko’s absence, and perhaps unearth a new gem to play second string to the solid Ukrainian.
There is simply nothing to lose.