Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: 888sport
Everton and Swansea City are set to engage in quite a battle at Liberty Stadium this Saturday. On one hand, the hosts will try to create separation with the relegation zone since they are just four points above the red zone, but on the other hand The Toffees will try to end the campaign on a strong note. Kick-off is scheduled at 15:00 BST.
Swansea City
Swansea City have completed an impressive turnaround over the past few weeks, and now it seems they are set to avoid relegation for the second straight season. The Welsh side endured a tough start to the year, but things have changed dramatically after the arrival of Carlos Carvalhal to the bench. The Portuguese tactician has lifted Swansea to 15th place in the standings, and are currently four points above the red zone. That’s not a big cushion to breath comfortably, but it’s a massive improvement compared to how they were doing earlier in the campaign. The Swans boast a W1, D2, L2 record over their last five Premier League matches, but they have been extremely strong at home. In fact, they were riding a seven-game winning streak (across all competitions) at Liberty Stadium before losing 0-3 to Liverpool in their most recent home contest.
Team News
Swansea won’t have two of their best players ahead of this game. Leroy Fer (calf) and Wilfred Bony (knee) are out due to injury.
As if that wasn’t enough, Swansea also have Angel Rangel (groin) and Sam Clucas (undisclosed) doubtful. Both will undergo late-fitness tests to determine their availability.
Everton
It’s safe to say that Everton’s season has been a massive disappointment. The Toffees couldn’t recover from losing Romelu Lukaku and despite the fact they spent well over £150 million this past summer, they are in the same shape they were 12 months ago at this stage of the campaign: safe from relegation, eliminated from all cups, and with nothing but pride to play for. And perhaps that’s what the team needs to get out of the negative situation they have endured all season long. After all, there were massive expectations for Everton this season and they couldn’t live up to them. Right now, their focus should be to re-group and finish the season as strong as possible. Unfortunately, their recent away results have not been very good. They have just two wins (W2, D2, L6) in their past 10 fixtures away from Goodison Park across all competitions. In fact, they rode a six-game losing streak before topping Stoke in their last away game roughly one month ago.
Team News
Everton have a fair share of absentees as well.
Mason Holgate (ankle), Eliaquim Mangala (knee), James McCarthy (broken leg), Gylfi Sigurdsson (knee) and Maarten Stekelenburg (ankle) are all out by different injuries.
Key Factors to Consider
- Swansea City have the worst attack in the Premier League, with only 26 goals scored in 32 matches.
- Everton are winless in their last three league visits to Swansea, taking just two points from a possible nine.
- Five out of the last seven matches between these sides have produced under 2.5 goals.
- Everton are without a clean sheet in four matches against Swansea.
- Swansea City are riding a three-game winless streak in the Premier League (D2, L1).
Conclusion
This is going to be an interesting matchup for both clubs. Swansea need the points to escape from the relegation threat, while Everton will surely want to win to end the campaign on a strong note.
Expect both teams to find the back of the net in this one.
Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: 888sport
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
