Prediction: Everton vs Watford

Prediction: Everton win

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League has thrown up many high quality matches this weekend, but there’s one left for everyone to sample – and that’s Everton vs Watford. The two midtable sides have high ambitions to make their way into the top half and potentially even beyond this season, but it isn’t going to be that easy. First they’ll need to register three points against a side in a very similar position to themselves, and while that usually leads to an entertaining game, it’ll likely be a nervous 90 minutes for both sets of fans.

Everton

Everton have the kind of squad that should easily solidify their position in the top half, and could even give them an outside chance of registering a place in the European spots. While that sounds a bit much it’s true, mainly because we’ve seen the kind of performance that they’re capable of. It’s just a case of piecing things together on a weekly basis because they continue to be caught out in games that they either should be winning, or should be coming away with something more than a loss.

Team News

Morgan Schneiderlin could make his return from injury, which would mean the Toffees would actually have a full squad to choose from.

Watford

The Hornets looked like they could be the surprise package of the season after a few games, and that could still be the case. They’re plucky and they’ll stay in any game right until the end, which makes up for their perceived lack of quality in comparison to the sides around them. They certainly don’t feel like a team in danger of dropping down into the Championship but they can’t afford to get complacent, because we’ve seen teams slip through the trap door when we least expect it in the past.

Team News

Will Hughes is dealing with a minor issue and could be ruled out as a result, although Tom Cleverley could return against his former club whereas Etienne Capoue will sit out through suspension.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Everton’s Goodison Park.
• Everton have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games.
• Watford have won one, drawn one and lost four of their last six games.
• Everton lead the overall head to head standings 19-4 with three draws.
• In their last meeting back in February, Watford beat Everton 1-0.

Conclusion

Everton have been incredibly inconsistent over the course of the season thus far, but above all else, they still have a really talented squad. Under the lights on Merseyside it feels like they’re going to get the job done, in a performance that should get them back on the right track in the Premier League this season. While we think the Hornets will have their moments, as they always tend to do in the majority of their games, we’re still confident in predicting the Toffees will come away with a 3-1 win.

Prediction: Everton win

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: bet365