Prediction: Everton vs Tottenham

Verdict: Draw

Best Odds: 12/5

Bookmaker: Bet365

Tottenham will be hoping to extend their five-year unbeaten record at Goodison on Saturday against Everton. The Toffees on their own part will look to extend the impressive home run which saw them lose only two of their last 15 matches in all competitions.

Everton

It’s been a mixed start of the season for Ronald Koeman’s men. The Toffees raised the curtain with a 2-0 win over Stoke City, managed a 1-1 draw at the Etihad afterwards and slumped to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Premier League champions Chelsea last time out. A 2-1 aggregate win over Hajduk Split for a place in the group stage of the Europa league was sandwiched in between domestic duties and it seems as if Ronald Koeman’s men will be raring to continue after the international break. The Goodison-based club was faced with a couple of off-pitch problems which included the Wayne Rooney controversy after the former Manchester United forward and England captain was caught drunk driving with a girl other than his wife Coleen in the car. Rooney was said to be ready for crunch talks with manager Koeman after the incident and there is a huge question mark over his availability for the big match against Tottenham. Additionally, Everton’s hopes of grabbing all three points and even getting anything out of the forthcoming clash have been given a blow with a lengthy list of unavailable first-team players.

Team News

Wantaway midfielder Ross Barkley is out of contention with a groin injury, while Yannick Bolasie remains a long-term absentee as well as Seamus Coleman who is still nurturing his broken leg.

Morgan Schneiderlin is suspended for the occasion, whereas there is a doubt Holgate and McCarthy will be able to shake off their injuries in time for the Saturday’s match.

Tottenham

Having claimed a win, draw and a defeat in first three matches of the new Premier League season, Tottenham boast the identical record as their Saturday’s rivals. Mauricio Pochettino has set the bar extremely high over the past two seasons by transforming the Spurs into genuine title contenders, but Tottenham have struggled to get their foot firmly on the ground after moving to Wembley. In addition, many are prone to believe that the apparent lack of transfer activity could prove to be crucial in Spurs’ shot at the title this year. Tottenham, however, managed to boost their squad in key areas having brought PSG defender Serge Aurier, Ajax centre-back Davinson Sanchez, Swansea striker Fernando Llorente and Estudiantes defender Juan Foyth which can all be considered fine additions to a well-built team. The international break will have offered an important break for the squad and with their batteries fully charged they are keen to continue their positive trend at the Goodison. Pochettino’s men have drawn three time and won once in their last four trips to Liverpool, with a positive run stretching as far as November 2013.

Team News

Argentina international winger Eric Lamela has suffered a hip injury and will not be able to help his teammates. Georges-Kevin N’Koudou and Kevin Trippier are ruled out with foot and knee injury, respectively.

Pochettino will be hopeful Danny Rose will come back in time from his knee injury, whereas Victor Wanyama has been is also expected to recover from the same problem.

Key Factors to Consider

• Everton and Spurs have the identical score after three Premier League matches (W1 D1 L1)
• The hosts have seven first-team players on the injury list for Saturday
• Spurs are unbeaten in their last 4 Goodison visits
• Both teams have scored in last three meetings of these two sides
• The Toffees lost only one of their last 12 matches

Conclusion

There is a big question whether the Wayne Rooney incident has disrupted the team atmosphere at Goodison. The hosts will be determined to show that all’s well in the Everton camp and that the heavily-reinforced squad is ready to compete with the best. The most recent history favours Spurs, however, and we tend to believe they will emerge undefeated from the game against Ronald Koeman’s men.

Verdict: Draw

Best Odds: 12/5

Bookmaker: Bet365