Tottenham v Everton – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Tottenham host Everton in the English Premier League on Saturday evening. Spurs have struggling at home of late whilst the Toffees have conceded 24 goals in their last nine trips to Tottenham. Sean Dyche’s team have won four league matches in a row without leaking a goal.

Spurs Form

Tottenham’s great start to the season (eight wins and two draws in ten matches) was followed by a poor run. With nine men, they lost 4-1 at home to Chelsea and then twice surrendered 1-0 leads to lose 2-1 at Wolves and 2-1 at home to Aston Villa. An exciting 3-3 draw at Man City followed.

After taking the lead and dominating the first half, they lost 2-1 at home to West Ham. Ange Postecoglou’s team finally got back to winning ways by making light work of a fatigued Newcastle. They won 4-1 at home and then backed that up with a 2-0 victory away at Nottingham Forest.

Spurs Team News

Spurs’ squad is stretched. Micky van de Ven is still missing at the back and Destiny Udogie is suspended. Emerson Royal could come into the XI at left-back. In midfield, Yves Bissouma is suspended, and both James Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur are out injured.

In the attacking areas, Brennan Johnson took a knock to the head last week and may be ruled out due to concussion. Ivan Perisic and Manor Solomon are both injured and Gio Lo Celso remains doubtful with a slight knock.

Spurs Motivation

Nothing will change in Spurs’ approach under their Australian coach. They will attack and look to outscore their opponents.

One recent change has seen Postecoglou bring on slightly more defensive changes to protect leads. It’s therefore less likely we will see goals in the final 20 minutes.

Everton Form

With ten wins in the last 15 matches and four successive league victories, Everton are seven points clear of the drop zone despite a 10-point deduction for FFP breaches. After a shock 2-1 home loss to Luton Town was followed by just two defeats in 11, a 2-0 loss at Everton, and a 3-0 home defeat to Man Utd where they put up 2.47 xG from 24 shots.

That loss has been followed by four league wins in a row. They took three points in a 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest and outclassed Newcastle 3-0 at home. A 2-0 home victory over Chelsea was impressively straightforward and they went to Burnley last week and won 2-0. In midweek, a 1-1 home draw with Fulham turned into a defeat on penalties in the Carabao Cup.

Everton Team News

Sean Dyche has a few question marks for this match. Vitalii Mykolenko has a groin injury so Ashley Young, himself a doubt, or Jarrad Branthwaite will need to deputise at left back.

Seamus Coleman is another major doubt for this one at right back and may not be risked. Abdoulaye Doucoure is carrying a hamstring complaint and wasn’t risked in midweek. He could be back for this match with Idrissa Gueye most likely to drop down to the bench.

Everton Motivation

The Toffees know Spurs’ style of play and open game plan. They will allow them plenty of the ball and look to use their wingers to counter.

A draw here would be a good result and Dyche may settle for a point quite early in the second half.

Key Stats

Tottenham have won their last 2 league matches

Tottenham have scored 24 goals in their last 9 home league matches vs Everton

Everton have won their last 4 EPL matches to nil

Everton have lost just twice in 12 away league matches (6 wins, 4 draws)

Verdict

This match should see both sides on target with Spurs’ defensive problems. Tottenham have enough to take the victory considering Everton’s injury concerns. Richarlison could be a good bet to score against his former club.