Everton will be looking to bounce back from their EFL Cup defeat when they visit Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. Last Friday, the hosts easily defeated Nottingham Forest 2-0. The Toffees’ dreams of winning the EFL Cup were dashed in a quarterfinal match against Fulham.
Preview (Tottenham Hotspur vs. Everton)
Spurs opened game 17 with a commanding victory at the City Ground, putting the icing on Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest career. This victory came even though Tottenham had to play the last 20 minutes of the match with just 10 men. Late in the first half, Dejan Kulusevski gave Richarlison an accurate cross. He then took advantage of a mistake made by Matt Turner.
Yves Bissouma’s second red card of the season was an unnecessary mark against Spurs. The Lilywhites prevailed, marking Cooper’s last game in the Forest dugout. Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou is now looking happier on the Tottenham touchline. Despite his stoic demeanor to the contrary, Tottenham have successfully emerged from their November slump. They will reclaim their Champions League spots if they win this weekend. Manchester City are only one point ahead of Tottenham. They are competing in Saudi Arabia for the Club World Cup.
After scoring four goals in their most recent home game against Newcastle United, the hosts have now scored in all 17 of their previous Premier League games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. They have also scored in 29 straight top-flight games overall, which is the longest current record in the division. The Toffees head to North London with an unexpected 100% record in terms of points and clean sheets.
Following back-to-back victories over Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, and Chelsea—in which Sean Dyche’s team scored six goals and did not give up a point—the former Burnley manager gave another stern lecture from the Turf Moor touchline this past weekend, as goals from Michael Keane and Madou Onana put Burnley to the sword. Thanks to their incredible winter run, the 16th-place Toffees have a healthy seven-point lead over the demotion zone.
Team News
After receiving a red card against Luton Town earlier in the season, Bissouma’s dismissal against Forest resulted in a four-match suspension. Destiny Udogie joins him in the sin bin. The left-back’s fifth yellow card of the current season was received last Friday. Aside from the usual suspension concerns, Tottenham still lacks several players with long-term injuries, including Giovani Lo Celso (knock), Alfie Whiteman (ankle), Rodrigo Bentancur (ankle), Ashley Phillips (ankle), James Maddison (ankle), Ivan Perisic (knee), Manor Solomon (knee), Micky van de Ven (hamstring), and Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring).
Bloodstained Brennan Johnson’s forehead as he left the City Ground early on Friday. The Welshman is expected to play for Tottenham in the starting lineup. Regarding Everton, former Tottenham prospect Dele Alli should not be allowed to rejoin his previous employers while he recovers from a groin injury. Additionally, André Gomes (calf) is still out for the time being.
In addition, Dyche is pessimistic about Abdoulaye Doucoure’s ability to recover from a thigh injury in time for Saturday. Mykolenko (groin) is also facing the same issue. Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman will also require evaluation in the run-up to the game. The visitors’ midfield and defense are especially restricted in areas for improvement. Beto and Arnaut Danjuma, a former Tottenham loanee, could bolster the Toffees’ front line.
Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Everton
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