Here’s why Everton needs Landon Donovan: a killer schedule ahead

Play along with me here while I speculate a bit about Landon Donovan’s future.

There is simply too much chatter out there regarding a move to Everton (most likely a loan) to be dismissed. If I were a betting man, I’d wager my prized collection of cross stitch art that Donovan will be announced as the Toffees’ bell cow of spring reinforcement, probably this week.

And if it does comes to fruition – well, let’s just hope the U.S. all-time leading scorer reports to England's northwest port city fiddle-fit and ready to get immediately into the fight. Take a gander at Everton’s schedule in the first few weeks of Donovan’s arrival:

He’d be eligible to play on Jan. 2 in the team’s FA Cup contest against Carlisle. Seven days past that, Donovan could find himself at the Emirates against vaguely menacing Arsenal. Another seven days past that, Everton hosts Man City’s increasingly valuable cast.

After a couple of matches to close out January against EPL stragglers, February opens with a doozie, a match at Anfield in the city of Liverpool derby. Then it’s back to Goodison Park to face EPL leader Chelsea. Before the month is up, Everton plays its first two matches in the Europa League Round of 32 in addition to contests at home against Manchester United and a trip to London to face Tottenham.

If Donovan can sprinkle a little magic dust against a murderer’s row like this, even the Double-Ds (Donovan Detractors) are going to have to temporarily shelve their disdain.