Everton v Tottenham – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Everton host Tottenham in the English Premier League at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon. The match pits former Inter Milan and Chelsea bosses Rafa Benitez and Antonio Conte against each other. The Italian has a fine record against the Toffees with no goals conceded and three wins in four matches when he was Chelsea boss. Everton has a terrible record against Spurs and has struggled at home this calendar year with nine losses.

Everton Form

Everton started the season well (WDWW) under Rafa Benitez but results of late have been dire. Their only win in the last six was against whipping boys Norwich. They lost 3-0 at Aston Villa, 1-0 at home to Everton, 5-2 at home to Watford (having led 2-1 after 77 minutes), and then 2-1 at Wolves.

The Toffees have lost nine of their 17 home matches in 2021 so far and their last two in a row. They have kept just three clean sheets in that run.

Everton Team News

Everton has quite a small squad and several injuries to contend with. Yerry Mina and Lucas Digne are expected to be absent in defence, although the latter has some chance of being fit in time. Ben Godfrey would deputize out of position otherwise.

Andre Gomes is a doubt in midfield and powerhouse Abdoulaye Doucoure is injured. Jean-Philippe Gbamin or Fabian Delph will partner Allan. Richarlison will play up front with Demarai Gray likely in support but Salomon Rondon is another option.

Everton Motivation

Everton desperately needs a result, even a draw. They are in a poor form which is no shock with so many key players missing matches of late.

The side is not that well equipped to chase matches with very few attacking options on the bench now. The first goal will be key – if they concede it, they may not have enough to come back.

Tottenham Form

After several dreadful results, Spurs sacked Nuno Espirito Santo and appointed serial winner Antonio Conte. The departed coach had won Manager of the Month for August but five defeats in seven matches, and the manner of their performances, meant a change was needed.

Spurs lost 3-0 at Crystal Palace and then 3-0 at home to Chelsea and 3-1 at Arsenal. They bounced back with consecutive wins but a 1-0 loss at West Ham and a 3-0 home humbling by Man Utd saw the ax fall on the Portuguese coach. Conte’s first match was in the UEFA Conference League as they beat Vitesse 3-2 at home.

Tottenham Team News

Antonio Conte is without Bryan Gil and Ryan Sessegnon for this match. The coach is expected to stick with his preferred 3-4-3 formation with Harry Kane flanked by Lucas Moura and Son.

The Italian is expected to use Ben Davies in his back three and Emerson Royal as the right wingback. Olivier Skipp is competing with Tanguy Ndombele to start in central midfield.

Tottenham Motivation

Spurs desperately need a win. Conte’s side can dominate by using buildup and high pressing or they can drop deep in a low block and counter-attack. The coach will play to win but if his side scores first, he could shut up shop.

Key Stats

Everton have won 1 of their last 17 PL matches against Spurs (L8, D8)

Everton have lost 9 of their last 17 home PL matches

Everton have kept 3 clean sheets in their last 17 home matches in the PL

Conte has kept 4 clean sheets vs Everton in the PL (W3, D1)

Kane has scored 11 goals in 12 PL matches against Everton, including five braces

Verdict

This looks like a good first match for Antonio Conte considering his record against Everton. The hosts have plenty of injuries and a terrible recent home record. Spurs look like a good bet to win this match.