Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Bet365
They might be unbeaten in last three matches in all competitions but Everton are heading into the Sunday’s Premier League clash against Burnley low on confidence after another frustrating Europa League result. The Clarets, on the other side, are feeling positive after their strong start to the season and travel to Goodison unbeaten in three away games this term.
Everton
Ronald Koeman was brave enough to admit his team is struggling after another below-par performance which saw Everton forced to settle for a 2-2 Europa League draw against Apollon at Goodison.
Having been hammered by Serie A outfit Atalanta 3-0 in the previous round, the Toffees needed three points to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive. Yet, Koeman’s men once again struggled to close the game and ended up conceding with only two minutes on the clock when Apollon scored the equalizing goal minutes after having a player sent off. Such an end to the game will have been another significant blow to Everton who now face a daring challenge against Burnley. Siting in 14th place in the standings, Koeman’s men are coming off from a win in the Premier League, but they will need to improve their performance significantly if they are hoping to see off Clarets on Sunday.
Team News
No less than seven Everton players are ruled out for the forthcoming fixture.
Ronald Koeman will once again have to do without Yannick Bolasie, Phil Jagielka, Ramiro Mori, James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman and Ross Barkley, whereas the absence of Michael Keane will also be a significant blow.
Burnley
Sean Dyche can be rather pleased with his team’s exploits in the early exchanges. The Clarets find themselves sitting in 10th place in the standings but only two points behind the top 4 teams and a positive result at Goodison could see Burnley make a significant step up the ladder.
Burnley, however, do not boast a great record at Everton, with just one win in their last 14 trips to Merseyside. The 3-2 win from January 1976 is nothing to go by especially with two rivals heading into the Sunday’s clash in contrasting forms. Burnley fans can take plenty of optimism from the great start to the Premier League campaign seeing their team go unbeaten in three away games thus far – from visits to Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool no less. The Clarets are coming off from successive Premier League stalemates with Carabao Cup loss to Leeds sandwiched in between which, ultimately, will have no significant effect to the team’s confidence.
Team News
Tom Heaton is set to miss out on the trip to Goodison with a shoulder injury, whereas Nakhi Wells is suffering from an ankle problem.
Dean Marney’s knee injury will keep the experienced England midfielder out of contention, while there is a huge question mark hanging over the availability of Jonathan Walters.
Key Factors to Consider
- Everton are missing no less than 7 first-team players
- Toffees failed to keep a clean sheet in 8 of their last 9 matches
- Burnley are unbeaten on the road this season
- The Clarets’ last win at Goodison came in 1976
- Four of Burnley’s last 5 matches produced less than 2.5 goals
Conclusion
Everton’s lack of confidence and Burnley’s poor record at Goodison make a strong case for a possible low-scoring affair. A moment of brilliance or lack of composure could prove decisive in this match.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Bet365
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