Neither of the sides has had the starts they desired at the start of the season with both Everton and Tottenham winning one, losing one and drawing one so far. Both the sides went into international break without a win and will be desperate to get their campaign back on track when they face each other on Saturday.
Tottenham would be happy to play away from Wembley as their home has felt anything but homely so far, and their recent record against Everton suggests Mauricio Pochettino will be optimistic ahead of the fixture. Everton haven’t won a game against Spurs in the last nine Premier League meetings, drawing five and losing four with their last win coming as far back as in December 2012.
However, Goodison Park hasn’t been the best of venues for the Lilywhites either, as they only won one of their last 10 top-flight visits here.
Team News
Everton- Everton fans might see a glimpse of their new signing on the deadline day, Nikola Vlasic, as he will be in the squad. However, Ronald Koeman is unlikely to throw him in a game against Spurs that could really shake his confidence. A shocking inclusion has also been Oumar Niasse, who has been recalled to the squad having been frozen out last season. Jordan Pickford’s return from a thigh injury will be a big boost as well for the Toffees.
Among the doubtful remain centre half Mason Holgate, who is suffering from an ankle injury and attacking midfielder Davy Klaassen as he struggles with a foot injury. The long-term absentee list- Ramiro Funes Mori, Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy- remains the same.
Tottenham Hotspur- Spurs have signed three defenders and all are fit to make their debut on Saturday, which should get the fans really excited. New arrival Serge Aurier, who moved from Paris Saint-Germain has returned from Ivory Coast duty on Thursday, but with first choice Kieran Trippier recovering well from his ankle injury, Aurier might have to wait.
Spurs have a fit squad apart from the long-term absentees who continue to recover. The long list includes midfielder Victor Wanyama and full-back Danny Rose, who are both out with knee injuries as midfielder Erik Lamela still around a month away with a hip problem. Georges-Kévin Nkoudou could make his return while new signing Fernando Llorente is expected to sit out with his arm injury.
Predicted Lineup
Everton- Pickford; Keane, Williams, Jagielka; Calvert-Lewin, Schneiderlin, Gueye, Baines; Sigurdsson, Davies; Rooney
Tottenham Hotspur- Lloris; Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Trippier, Dier, Dembele, Davies; Eriksen, Dele; Kane
Key Players
Everton- Despite all his off-field problems, Wayne Rooney will remain Ronald Koeman’s biggest weapon. He has scored 11 goals in his last 16 Premier League appearances against Tottenham and would want to improve his tally.
Tottenham Hotspur- Out of the 99 goals that Harry Kane has scored for the Spurs, 48 of them have come away from home and Everton would need to be wary of him.
Odds
Everton @ 11/4
Draw @ 12/5
Tottenham Hotspur @ 11/10
