Prediction: Tottenham vs Everton



Verdict: Draw

Best Odds: 16/5

Bookmaker: bet365

Having climbed back to second in the Premier League standings, Tottenham Hotspur need to continue in the same manner if they are to stay close to leaders Chelsea. Everton, on the other hand, have shown a great deal of improvement of late, and if they manage to win at White Hart Lane, their top 4 bid will be effectively back on track.

Tottenham

Tottenham have done pretty well to keep their top 4 bid on track in what many believe is one of the toughest Premier League campaigns yet, and if Chelsea had not been so impressive, Spurs would also stand a decent chance of lifting the first top-flight trophy since 1961. Mauricio Pochettino’s side are still challenging in two major competitions, which is by no means easy considering the lack of strength in depth, although the team did suffer a disappointing exit from the Europa League. However, it goes without saying that Premier League campaign has the priority, as the top 4 finish is by no means a given. With Liverpool, Man Utd and Everton all breathing down their necks in addition to Man City and Arsenal, Tottenham need to further raise their game if they want to be playing Champions League football next season. Spurs recovered well from the Europa League exit as they hammered Stoke City at the Lane, with Harry Kane bagging the third hat-trick of the campaign to climb to the top of the goalscoring charts. Dele Alli is also back amongst the goals and with Christian Eriksen the provider, the hosts are looking good ahead of the visit of Everton.

Team News

The hosts are still without Erik Lamela and Danny Rose, while Eric Dier could miss out if Pochettino decides to switch back to a four-man defence.



Everton

Everton have been blowing hot and cold this season, which is hardly a surprise, but they appear to be slowly returning to the right track. The Toffees are unbeaten in last six Premier League fixtures, ever since they were knocked out of the FA Cup, and that has proved a blessing in disguise. Everton were never going to successfully compete on more than one front given the lack of strength in depth, and four wins in last six are enough to suggest they did well to focus on the league campaign. Romelu Lukaku has been on fire in recent weeks, bagging 5 goals in his last 3 appearances, with Ross Barkley and January recruit Ademola Lookman playing alongside him in the last few games. The Toffees appear to be turning their Goodison Park into a genuine fortress, having won last four league games there, scoring no fewer than 15 goals in the process, while they have also shown a considerable improvement on the road. A four-match losing run was followed by two wins and three draws in next five fixtures, meaning that Everton clearly have reason for optimism ahead of the difficult trip to White Hart Lane.

Team News

There have been no fresh injury worries for manager Ronald Koeman, although Muhamed Besic, Aaron Lennon and Yannick Bolasie remain sidelined.

Key Factors to Consider

• Last three meetings between Spurs and Everton ended all squared
• Spurs are unbeaten in last eight home games vs Toffees (W5 D3)
• Spurs won 11 of last 12 home fixtures in all competitions (D1)
• They won last eight EPL games at home, scoring 24 goals
• Everton are unbeaten in last nine Premiership games (W6 D3)

Conclusion

While Tottenham have been pretty impressive at White Hart Lane this season, Everton have seriously raised their form of late and we expect to see a cracking game of football on Sunday afternoon. The match seems too close to call and our advice is to bet on draw.

Verdict: Draw

Best Odds: 16/5

Bookmaker: bet365