Prediction: Everton vs Huddersfield

Verdict: Everton to win

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmakers: William Hill

A vastly improved Everton side, soon to be under the stewardship of relegation-prevention legend Sam Allardyce, welcome struggling Huddersfield to Goodison Park on Saturday. The Toffees are finally finding their form, and while they can probably no longer be considered top four dark horses, they are looking increasingly less likely to be relegated. One step at a time, hey Everton fans? The Terriers meanwhile find their form trending downwards, and they can no longer ride their early season success. All of the aforementioned factors make this a must win game for both sides, as neither can sit comfortably just five points above the drop zone.

Everton

When Wayne Rooney made the romantic switch back to his boyhood club in the summer, many people thought that they stars would align just long enough for Everton to finally sneak into the Champions League places. That view was also aided somewhat by the fact that the Toffees spent over £100m in the transfer window, bringing in the likes of Michael Keane and Gylfi Sigurdsson to bolster their already decent squad. Few could have predicted their dramatic demise however, and the Merseyside club currently sits 13^th in the Premier League table with a goal difference of -11.

Thankfully for Everton fans their season is now getting back on track, following the sacking of manager Ronald Koeman. The Toffees have won both of their last two home games, including a 4-0 destruction of West Ham in midweek. Their clash against Huddersfield will represent the first game under Sam Allardyce, who has been drafted in to prevent relegation. Big Sam will make sure to end their defensive problems, which should turn Everton back into a competitive team.

Team News

The Toffees have been hit pretty hard by injuries this season, but there is some positive news. Leighton Baines is nearing a return from his calf injury problems, and Michael Keane should have pushed past his concussion by Saturday.

Elsewhere Oumar Niasse is serving a ban for diving, and James McCarthy won’t be back in time for this game. Seamus Coleman, Yannick Bolasie and Ross Barkley are all out for the long term.

Huddersfield

The Terriers started the season so well, recording early wins over Crystal Palace and Newcastle in their first two games. Since then however their campaign has been marred by inconsistency, and they have been tumbling down the table as a result. David Wagner’s side have lost six of their last eight games, and have failed to score in all but one of their away games this season. In fact the last time they scored away from the John Smith’s Stadium was on the opening day against Palace.

There have been flashes of talent however, amidst the disappointing season. Aaron Mooy has been the standout player, but even he has only bagged twogoals and an assist so far. The Terriers did manage to inexplicably beat Manchester United at home too, which remains one of the biggest upsets of the season. Their recent form however leaves much to be desired, and they face an Everton side that will be brimming with confidence this weekend. It is difficult to see Wagner’s men getting a result from this game, especially as it is away from home.

Team News

The Terriers will be without Rajiv van La Parra, who is serving a ban, but Kasey Palmer and Michael Hefele are getting closer to full fitness. Jon Stankovic is out for the long term with a knee injury.

Key Factors to Consider

• Everton have won both of their last two home league games, scoring seven times in the process.
• The Toffees have scored 17 goals this season, which is the most for any club in the bottom half of the table.
• Huddersfield have lost five of their seven away games this season.
• The Terriers have scored just nine times in 14 league games.
• Away from the John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield have conceded 16 times in seven games, and scored just three goals.

Conclusion

Everton have been bad this season, but at least they are on the up. Their big win over West Ham in midweek will have instilled a lot of confidence in the players, and the arrival of Sam Allardyce is one sure fire way to end their defensive woes somewhat. By contrast Huddersfield are on a downward spiral, having lost four of their last five games. The form suggests an Everton win, and that seems like the best bet here.

Verdict: Everton to win

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmakers: William Hill