EVERTON’s desperation in their final match of the season with Cherries will give the Dorset outfit a “really good test” according to their head coach Gary O’Neil.

Whilst Cherries are mathematically safe, their Goodison Park hosts are one of three teams in threat of relegation to the second tier.

Sean Dyche’s side currently sit in the final safety spot of 17th, controlling their own destiny as a win would secure a 70th consecutive top-flight season.

Failure to beat Cherries could lead to Leeds United and Leicester leapfrogging the Toffees. Leicester City and Leeds United are currently two points behind Everton, with the Foxes hosting West Ham and Sam Allardyce’s Whites at home to Tottenham Hotspur.

Previewing the contest, O’Neil shared: “I think it's a really good test for us.

“I'm looking forward to seeing where we are in it, how we cope with what the atmosphere may look like, how we cope with what Everton are as a side, because they are very direct, ask a lot of questions of you.”

Over the years Dyche garnered a reputation for a direct style of football with his Burnley side, with O’Neil predicting a similar style from Everton at the weekend.

Cherries’ head coach also admitted that his side had “struggled” with teams going direct this season, O’Neil looking to see how his side deal with the tactic and a fired-up Goodison Park.

“We've struggled with things like that in the past, the West Ham game here (at the Vitality Stadium), similar direct side,” O’Neil continued.

“Everton will be direct, the atmosphere will be tough and what a great opportunity for the players to go and show what a good side we are.

“See how we can stand up to the questions that are undoubtedly going to be asked of us.

“So a real good marker for me, with last game of the season, going into a summer break and then pre-season to just see where we are, against what will be a real good test.”