Everton, now under the relegation line, hosts Tottenham Hotspur, who have moved up to a spot for European qualification, in Saturday’s early Premier League game at Goodison Park.
Everton has slipped into the relegation zone after a draw with Fulham, while Tottenham secured a comeback win against Brentford 3-2 in a tense London derby.
Match Preview
Sean Dyche’s team had strong reasons to beat Fulham at Craven Cottage last Tuesday, especially after losing to them in the EFL Cup in December. However, both teams struggled to score despite numerous attempts.
A total of 46 shots were taken in that match – 21 by Everton, who had the ball only 31% of the time – but no goals were scored, thanks to Jordan Pickford’s outstanding saves and a big miss by Beto from Fulham.
Getting a point at a place where Arsenal lost was an achievement for Everton, but after Luton Town’s big win over Brighton & Hove Albion, Everton is now 18th before their next game.
Dyche’s team has only won once in their last nine games in all competitions – a slim FA Cup win over Crystal Palace. The draw with Fulham marked their fifth league game without a win.
Moreover, Everton has not scored in their last three Premier League games, while Tottenham continues to score consistently.
Spurs’ recent 3-2 win against Brentford featured goals from Destiny Udogie, Richarlison, and Brennan Johnson. Despite the win, coach Ange Postecoglou criticized his team’s attitude during the game.
Thanks to Aston Villa’s loss to Newcastle United, Tottenham is now in the top four, mainly because they’ve scored more goals, despite winning only one of their last five away league matches.
Tottenham’s last game before Christmas in 2023 saw them narrowly beat Everton, but Goodison Park has been tough for them, with no wins in the last five visits since a heavy defeat in December 2018.
Everton Premier League form: W L L L D D
Everton form (all competitions): L D D W L D
Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form: W W L W D W
Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions): L W W D L W
Team News
Arnaut Danjuma might miss the game due to an ankle injury. Dele Alli is also out, recovering from groin surgery, along with Andre Gomes and Abdoulaye Doucoure. Seamus Coleman might return.
Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye are expected to play for Everton, while Tottenham’s Pape Sarr could return. Yves Bissouma and Son Heung-min are still away with their national teams.
Injuries keep Manor Solomon, Alejo Veliz, Giovani Lo Celso, and Ryan Sessegnon out for Tottenham. Maddison’s recent substitution was just cramp, according to Postecoglou.
Sarr’s return could mean Oliver Skipp is replaced in the starting lineup, but Brennan Johnson’s performance might not guarantee him a start, given Timo Werner’s impressive display against Brentford.
Everton Possible Starting Lineup:
Pickford;
Patterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko;
Harrison, Onana, Garner, Gueye, McNeil;
Calvert-Lewin
Tottenham Hotspur Possible Starting Lineup:
Vicario;
Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie;
Sarr, Bentancur;
Kulusevski, Maddison, Werner;
Richarlison
Our Prediction: Everton 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur
Despite their efforts at Craven Cottage, Everton seems unable to solve their scoring issues, but they might find some hope against Tottenham’s less sturdy defense on the road.
Nevertheless, Tottenham’s attack is expected to lead them to a rare victory at Goodison Park.
