
In what looks to be a fiercely competitive Premier League encounter, Tottenham make their first trip to Everton’s brand new Hill Dickinson Stadium. Both sides come into the game with differing recent form. Spurs have been one of the more consistent performers in the Premier League thus far, Everton have impressed at times after a positive start to life at their new home, however they have displayed frailties at times. With both teams known for their intensity and directness, this one could be a real battle on Merseyside.
Matthew O'Regan has his best bets and predictions.
Everton’s improvements this season has been built on defensive solidity and a newfound cutting edge. Sunday’s fixture, however, presents one of their bigger challenges to date. With Spurs’ high-pressing style and balanced defensive structure, Everton will need to maintain discipline and make the most of set pieces, counter attacks and capitalise on rare 1v1 situations. Everton have more thrust and physicality in their attack than they have in recent seasons, although they will need to counteract and incredibly well drilled, robust Spurs side who bear no resemblance to the team who the toffees beat 3-2 in January of this year. — Thomas Frank’s Tottenham will not lie down for them.
Despite very positive signs in their performances, Spurs will be frustrated to have not claimed more than their 4 wins from the opening 8 Premier League games. They have shown vast defensive improvement from last season and their new signings have shown glimpses of what may be to come for Tottenham. Xavi Simons, whilst clearly still adapting to the new league, shows the signs of a very gifted, creative player who may be an important replacement for the sidelined James Maddison. Spurs have huge potential if they become slightly more consistent, particularly at home. Away from home this season, Spurs have amassed an impressive 10 points from a possible 12. This includes an impressive 2-0 win at Manchester City. Thomas Franks’s side clearly enjoy the challenge against home teams who are more willing to attack them and take risks.
Tottenham are knocked however by a long injury list that contains some key players. The North Londoners will shape up on Merseyside without long term absentees James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, but Yves Bissouma, Mathys Tel, Destiny Udogie, Wilson Odobert and captain, Christian Romero are also doubts to make the squad.
Over the previous 5 Premier League games between the two, both sides have been hard to split. Spurs have claimed two wins, Everton one win and the sides have shared two draws. Whilst they both operate very different tactics, both teams share certain characteristics. Stylistically coaches insist on compact, organised defensive shape and will utilise fast, direct passing to threaten one another. Everton’s full backs must perform to a high standard to overt the highly influential Jack Grealish and Illiman Ndiaye. Tottenham have shown superiority to Everton in their performances so far this season, but the extreme injury list that Spurs must contend with on Sunday makes the game more interesting from a neutral perspective. This is the type of fixture where Everton will fancy a minor upset.
It should be an enthralling encounter between two teams who believe they have enough to win the game, with one battle in particular appealing. Check out the best odds here.
Jack Grealish is a man rejuvenated since joining Everton on loan. The City winger has four assists and one goal in 556 minutes, while also winning a whopping 4.21 fouls per 90. This season, four right backs have been booked against Everton and Pedro Porro, who is averaging 1.41 fouls per 90, is tempting odds to make it five.
Prediction: Pedro Porro To Be Booked - 14/5 BetMgm
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