Prediction: Everton vs Wolves

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 12/5

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers, both reeling from conceding four goals in their respective weekend fixtures, will face off in a crucial Premier League clash at Goodison Park on Wednesday.

This encounter is pivotal for two teams under significant scrutiny, with fan frustration mounting and managers facing growing pressure to deliver results. Given the stakes, it promises to be one of the standout matches in the midweek schedule, as both sides desperately seek a morale-boosting victory.

Everton

Everton’s struggles hit a new low with their 4-0 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, a result that has deepened discontent among the fanbase and increased scrutiny on manager Sean Dyche. With new owners The Friedkin Group expected to finalize their takeover soon, Dyche’s position appears precarious, as the Toffees sit just two points above the relegation zone after securing 11 points from 13 matches—their worst start since 1994.

A daunting December fixture list, including clashes with Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool, makes Wednesday’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers crucial. Everton’s lack of cutting edge in attack is glaring, with no goals in their last four matches despite generating an xG of 4.5. The Toffees remain the league’s lowest scorers, with just 12 open-play goals across 2023 and the second-fewest chances created this season.

Facing a Wolves side unbeaten in their last six encounters with Everton, including three successive wins at Goodison, only adds to the pressure on Dyche to deliver a much-needed victory.

Team News

Everton’s attacking options may soon receive a much-needed boost, with Sean Dyche revealing that Chelsea loanee Armando Broja is nearing match fitness and could make his debut soon after recovering from a lengthy injury layoff. This news comes at a crucial time, as Everton’s lack of firepower continues to hurt them.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was benched for the first time this season in Sunday’s defeat to Manchester United, giving Beto his opportunity to lead the line. Meanwhile, Youssef Chermiti is making progress in his recovery but remains a few weeks behind Broja. The Toffees are still without James Garner, who has yet to resume full training, leaving the midfield options limited.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves’ defensive vulnerabilities remain a significant concern as they prepare to face Everton at Goodison Park. Gary O’Neil’s side seemed to gain momentum after a dominant 4-1 victory over Fulham, but their progress was undone by a chaotic 4-2 home loss to Bournemouth, marked by defensive errors that gifted the Cherries three penalties.

This result ended a four-game unbeaten run and drew boos from the Molineux crowd. Wolves now hold the unwanted record of the league’s leakiest defense, conceding 32 goals this season, with their only clean sheet coming against bottom-placed Southampton.

They haven’t kept an away clean sheet since January, a worrying aspect of their game, setting up an intriguing clash against Everton, whose attack has been the weakest in the division.

Team News

Wolves face Everton with notable absences, as Nelson Semedo serves a one-match suspension following his fifth booking of the season. Injuries to Yerson Mosquera and Boubacar Traore also limit their options. However, they are bolstered by the potential returns of Santiago Bueno and Pablo Sarabia, who were rested against Bournemouth, and Hwang Hee-chan, who is regaining fitness after two recent substitute appearances.

After a weekend marred by defensive errors, goalkeeper Jose Sa’s position may be under scrutiny, with Sam Johnstone now fully fit and potentially ready to step into the starting XI.

Conclusion

Everton’s struggles continue, with only seven wins in their last 35 matches and just one home victory this season, compounded by a lackluster attack. Meanwhile, Wolves’ defensive frailties, highlighted by their league-worst record, make this a fascinating clash against Everton’s misfiring attackers.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 12/5

Bookmaker: ZetBet