Everton vs Bournemouth
Premier League
Saturday
7th October 2023
Goodison Park
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the gameweek eight Premier League fixture between Everton and Bournemouth.
Everton vs Bournemouth: Preview
Everton form analysis
The Toffees began with a disappointing 1-0 home loss to Wolves, undone by a late Kalajdzic goal. They did better in a 2-2 away draw at Sheffield United, leading through Doucoure before being pegged back. Everton then suffered a narrow 0-1 home defeat to Arsenal, with Trossard’s second half strike proving decisive.
They earned their first win by beating Brentford 3-1 away, with goals from Doucoure, Tarkowski and Calvert-Lewin. However, Everton then suffered a poor 1-2 home loss to Luton, going behind early before Calvert-Lewin pulled one back.
Overall, it’s been an underwhelming start to the season for Everton as they adjust to Lampard’s new system. They’ve struggled defensively and lacked a cutting edge aside from the Brentford win. But summer signings like Onana and Tarkowski have strengthened the spine of the team. Doucoure has impressed in midfield as well.
If Dyche can improve productivity in attack and tighten up at the back, Everton have enough quality to climb the table. But substantial improvement is needed after just 1 win from their opening 6 games.
Bournemouth form analysis
Bournemouth began with a 0-2 home defeat to Tottenham, outclassed by the Champions League chasers. They did respond by coming from behind to draw 2-2 at home against Brentford, with goals from Brooks and Solanke.
Bournemouth then earned a creditable 0-0 home draw with Chelsea, showing defensive solidity. However, their defensive issues returned in a 1-3 home loss to Brighton, with only Solanke’s opener to show for their efforts. Most recently, Bournemouth were thrashed 0-4 at home by Arsenal, totally outclassed from start to finish.
Overall, it’s been an inconsistent start by Bournemouth on their Premier League return as expected. They’ve competed well in spells without sustaining it over 90 minutes. The tenacious draws against Brentford and Chelsea showed their character, but mistakes on defense have cost them.
Although Solanke as well as Brooks have shown promise in attack, the new manager wants more output from his front line. Bournemouth has a chance to finish this season if they can eliminate individual mistakes. But Arsenal’s humiliation made clear that there needs to be a significant improvement.
