Everton host Tottenham The hosts are winless in five league matches and face a Spurs side with five wins in their last seven league fixtures. The last four EPL meetings between these sides at Goodison Park have ended in draws.
Everton Form
Sean Dyche’s team have won just once in nine matches in all competitions. They’re winless in five league fixtures having won six of eight league clashes before that. After losing 2-1 at Tottenham, they were beaten 3-1 at home by Man City. A resounding 3-0 loss at Wolves followed.
An FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace saw a 0-0 away draw preceded by a 1-0 home win in the replay. The Toffees ground out a 0-0 league draw vs Aston Villa in between that tie. Last weekend, they conceded late to be dumped out of the FA Cup after a 2-1 home loss to Luton. In midweek, they created 2.14 xG from 30% possession in a 0-0 draw at Fulham.
Everton Team News
Sean Dyche has four players who are question marks for this match. Seamus Coleman should be available to play some part whilst Idrissa Gana Gueye is back from the AFCON and could start.
Amadou Onana is a question mark with a knee problem whilst Arnaut Danjuma will hope to feature after a knock to the ankle. Key midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure is set to miss out with injury once again, a big blow.
Everton Motivation
Everton were playing with confidence not long ago, but recent results have seen morale take a hit.
They will play to win this match, but a draw would also be seen as a good result considering their league position.
Tottenham Form
Spurs are back in some strong form with five wins in their last seven in the league. They have bounced back well after losing four matches in a five-match streak. After three successive league victories, they were brought down to earth with a 4-2 thrashing at Brighton as they trailed 4-0.
They beat Bournemouth 3-1 at home in the league and then beat Burnley 1-0 in the FA Cup at home. Tottenham drew 2-2 at Man Utd in mid-January after trailing twice before a tame 1-0 loss to Man City in the FA Cup with just one shot attempted. In midweek, they came from 1-0 down to beat Brentford 3-2 at home.
Tottenham Team News
Yves Bissouma is unavailable due to his involvement in the AFCON with Mali. Pape Sarr is available again, but Giovani Lo Celso is injured. Newly signed £26m defender Radu Dragusin is set to be on the bench.
Heung-Min Son is still away with Korea Republic, but James Maddison is fit to start. Brennan Johnson scored against Brentford and may replace Timo Werner in the starting XI.
Tottenham Motivation
Postecoglou only knows one way to play and won’t change style at Goodison.
Tottenham will play to win the match and solidify their spot in the top four. A draw wouldn’t be welcomed as a good result.
Key Stats
Everton are winless in 5 league matches
Everton have lost 6 of their 11 home league matches this season
Spurs have won 5 of their last 7 EPL matches
Tottenham have scored 24 goals in 11 away league matches
The last 4 meetings between these sides at Goodison Park have finished in draws
Verdict
On current form, Spurs are capable of going to Everton and winning. Doucoure is a big loss, and I am therefore backing Tottenham for three points. Richarlison is backed to score against his former club.