Brace yourself for another wild ride.
It will be 11 matches in 52 days for Landon Donovan in his return to an Everton uniform. Eight of those games will be league matches, which gives Donovan a chance to boost Everton’s Premier League standing; the Toffees are currently mid-table with a 16-point haul from 14 matches.
Three FA Cup matches, the Merseyside derby, a head-to-head matchup with American Brad Guzan and a grudge match against Brad Friedel and Tottenham ensure it will be a loan spell to remember.
Wed., Jan. 4 – Everton vs. Bolton (EPL)
Donovan could help heap misery on Stu Holden’s Wanderers, who currently sit at the bottom of the standings.
Sat., Jan. 7 – Everton vs. Tamworth (FA Cup third round)
After facing one of the poorest-performing teams in England, Donovan gets another cupcake to make a soft landing in the EPL with English conference side Tamworth, who are appropriately nicknamed the “Lambs.”
Wed., Jan. 11 – Tottenham vs. Everton (EPL)
Nearly a month after Brad Friedel was quoted as saying that Donovan took the “easy road” by playing in MLS, the 2002 World Cup teammates will settle the debate once and for all at White Hart Lane.
Sat., Jan. 14 – Aston Villa vs. Everton (EPL)
It will be LA Galaxy vs. Chivas USA at Villa Park with Donovan potentially facing another American ‘keeper in Brad Guzan, who would be in goal if Villans starter Shay Given is still out due to injury.
Sat., Jan. 21 – Everton vs. Blackburn (EPL)
Another possibility for Donovan to endear himself to the Goodison Park crowd will come against a Blackburn back line that has proven inept this season with the second most goals allowed thus far in the EPL.
Sat., Jan. 28 – Everton vs. TBD (FA Cup fourth round)
A stretch of three matches in seven days kicks off with a fourth-round FA Cup match. The draw could land the Toffees an EPL opponent.
Wed., Feb. 1 – Everton vs. Manchester City (EPL)
Donovan could have a hand in the race for the EPL title with a home match against the current league leaders.
Sat., Feb. 4 – Wigan Athletic vs. Everton (EPL)
Another of the weaker sides in the EPL this season, Donovan should be entering this one with a full head of steam.
Sat., Feb. 11 – Everton vs. Chelsea (EPL)
It could be a matchup of future teammates when Donovan takes on Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Chelsea. If the London powerhouse is still hovering in the top four, the American could put a dent in their title hopes.
Sat., Feb. 18 – Everton vs. TBD (FA Cup fifth round)
The deeper into the tournament, the more intense and dramatic the matchups in the FA Cup. Expect Donovan to get a full run here in the second-to-last match before returning to LA.
Sat., Feb. 25 – Liverpool vs. Everton (EPL)
There is no better way to end a second loan spell at Everton than with a match against bitter rivals Liverpool in the Merseyside derby. Donovan will have a big chance to go out with a bang and have Everton fans longing for more.
