Everton have started this season with some promise at home, they remain unbeaten in four matches at their new stadium, with two wins and two draws. They’ll aim to use the home advantage and fresh surroundings to unsettle Tottenham.
Tottenham, under Thomas Frank, carry one of the best away records in the Premier League this season. They’ve pulled together results on the road, which makes this a stiff test for Everton.
Team News
Everton will be boosted by the return of Jack Grealish after a brief ineligibility period. They’re missing centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite through a hamstring issue, so they will likely rely on the experience of Michael Keane and James Tarkowski in defence. Attack-wise, Iliman Ndiaye will be key in stretching Tottenham’s backline.
Tottenham have several injuries to contend with Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke among a long list of players unavailable for the match. Their defence must cope without these players, which could open opportunities for Everton. Tottenham’s attacking output has been inconsistent despite their solid road form.
Tactical & Match Outlook
Everton will look to use the new stadium energy to push high from the start. Expect them to try quick transitions, especially through Grealish and Ndiaye, and challenge Tottenham’s defence early. They’ll also try to defend compactly and make the most of set-pieces.
Tottenham will likely dominate possession and seek to control the tempo. Given their away form, they’ll try to be patient and exploit Everton on the break or via width. However, with several defensive absences, they may be vulnerable to pace and movement behind.
Lineups
Everton:
Pickford, O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko, Gueye, Garner, Drewsbury-Hall, Grealish, Ndiaye, Beto
Tottenham:
Vicario, Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence, Palhinha, Bentancur, Kudus, Bergvall, Simons, Richarlison
Prediction
This is likely to be a closely contested fixture. Everton have home momentum but Tottenham’s away consistency can’t be ignored. Given the defensive absences for Tottenham and Everton’s unbeaten run at home, a narrow Everton advantage is more likely.
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