Prediction: Everton vs Sheffield United

Prediction: Everton win

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League returns this weekend as we prepare to dive head first into some top flight action, with teams up and down the country settling into their realistic goals and ambitions for the remainder of the campaign. Today, we’re going to be taking a look at the encounter that is set to go down between Everton and Sheffield United at Goodison Park. One side is looking for European football, whereas the other just wants to secure their spot in the Premier League for another season.

Everton

Despite some inconsistencies in their start to the season, Everton still have a great deal to be excited about as we look ahead to the future. They’ve got a strong squad, a lot of potential within their ranks and the experience necessary to push on towards the top half of the table – and potentially even beyond. They’ve been overshadowed by local rivals Liverpool for far too long now, and they’re putting the pieces in place that will allow them to push back against the red half of Merseyside.

Team News

Richarlison is a doubt whereas Gomes has been officially ruled out due to a rib injury. Davies is expected to come into the side, with Kean still not managing to break into the starting XI.

Sheffield United

Few could’ve anticipated that Sheffield United would make quite such a confident start to life back in the big time. They’ve got a composed and focused squad that, so far, has been able to register a string of impressive results and performances to go right along with it. If they can carry on with this current trajectory, then there’s no reason to believe that they will be in any kind of realistic danger when it comes to the relegation battle. If anything, they could have top half ambitions of their own.

Team News

Fleck, Robinson and McGoldrick will all hope to start, whereas Billy Sharp is suspended.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in 2011, Everton beat Sheffield United 3-1 in the League Cup.
• Everton have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Sheffield United have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games.
• Everton have scored nine goals and conceded nine in their last six games.
• Sheffield United have scored seven goals and conceded seven in their last six games.

Conclusion

Everton seem to struggle away from home even more so than most clubs, but at Goodison Park, they have a bit more of an edge to them – and we’re expecting to see them bounce back in a big way against the Blades. If they can get off to a hot start then we can picture them controlling the pace of the game in the middle of the park, shutting Sheffield United down in the process. It’s going to be frantic and even quite end to end at times, but in the end, the Toffees will take control.

Prediction: Everton win

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: bet365