Everton are set to start their 2020/21 Premier League campaign when they take on Tottenham Hotspur in their own backyard. Both the teams will be looking to clinch maximum points from the crucial clash as several new signings are set to feature for both Carlo Ancelotti as well as Jose Mourinho.
Talking Tactics
Jose Mourinho is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation with new signings Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Matt Doherty both set to feature in the starting lineup. While the former Southampton man is expected to play a pivotal role in the midfield alongside either of Moussa Sissoko or Harry Winks, Doherty might feature in the right-back position ahead of Serge Aurier. Harry Kane is set to lead the line with Dele Alli, Heung Min Son and Lucas Moura starting right behind the Englishman.
Carlo Ancelotti, on the other hand, might deploy a 4-3-3 formation, which will let him feature all the new signings in the starting lineup. The Italian gaffer had been dependent mostly on the 4-2-3-1 formation in the last term. Still, now, with the inclusion of players like James Rodriguez, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan, it is expected that he can turn to a more attacking formation this season. While the likes of Doucoure and Allan are expected to feature in the three-man midfield alongside Andre Gomes; James is set to play his first match in Everton colours on the right flank. He will pair up with the likes of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, providing the attack of the Merseyside club an extra edge.
Team News
Tottenham Hotspur
The biggest dilemma that Mourinho is going to face is how to marshall his troops in the central midfield area. While Hojbjerg is set to start, it would be interesting to see who starts alongside him in the midfield pivot among Moussa Sissoko, Giovanni Lo Celso and Harry Winks. For us, though, Sissoko has to be the frontrunner given his physicality and pace. Japhet Tanganga is set to miss out with a thigh strain.
Everton
Mason Holgate is set to miss out due to an injury while Fabian Delph’s condition is to be assessed before the match. Tom Davies is expected to start on the bench for the Toffees while Yerry Mina is likely to feature in central defence alongside Michael Keane.
Predicted Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur
Lloris, Doherty, Alderweireld, Dier, Davies, Lucas, Hojbjerg, Sissoko, Alli, Son, Kane.
Everton
Pickford, Coleman, Mina, Keane, Digne, Doucoure, Allan, Gomes, Richarlison, Rodriguez, Calvert-Lewin.
Key Men
Tottenham Hotspur
It will be interesting to see how Hojbjerg fares with his role in the midfield under Mourinho. However, all eyes will be on Harry Kane as he leads the line for Spurs despite not having played in any of the pre-season friendlies.
Everton
James Rodriguez will be the pick of the stars for the Merseyside club as he is set to start for them in his first match in the Premier League. Both Doucoure and Allan will also be under the scanner as to how they perform in the Everton midfield.
Odds
Tottenham Win- 1.83
Draw- 3.60
Everton Win- 4.33