Both Everton and Tottenham got off to great starts, winning their first game and looking good in the process. However, since then they have both failed to win and will be looking to use the international break as a chance to re-group and go again.
Tottenham will probably enjoy the fact they are playing away from Wembley as they haven’t started well there and this game gives them a chance to pick up some much needed confidence before going back to their temporary home next week. Everton have been busy early in the season and will probably have been glad of the rest when international games took place, they should be fresher now.
Everton Form
Everton are currently 12th in the league with four points from their opening three games. A win on the opening day was followed up by a good point away at Manchester City, but they never looked likely to trouble Chelsea in their most recent game, a game they lost 2-0.
Everton have spent a lot of money this summer, the majority of it coming in after Romelu Lukaku left for Manchester United. From what they have shown so far they have spent it well, and they could find themselves challenging for a top six spot if things go their way. However, with this spending there is added pressure and anything less than 7th place for Everton would probably be seen as a bit of a disappointment for them. They have been handed a very tough start to the campaign and this is another tough game for them.
Tottenham Form
Tottenham came into this season as genuine title contenders, providing they could settle into life at Wembley, a venue that has caused them problems in the past. They have struggled to play there yet again, picking up a draw against Burnley and being beaten by Chelsea in their two games there so far.
Playing away from home today will probably help Tottenham if anything and it wouldn’t surprise me if we saw them in a much better light this weekend. They have made a couple of additions to their squad since they last played, which should help freshen them up and right now, away points are crucial to keeping them going. This is a big month for Tottenham, they need to pick up wins at Wembley and they also have some important Champions League games on the horizon, they must do well, starting here.
Team News
I am really looking forward to seeing Gylfi Sigurdsson settle into this Everton team because he really could be the piece they have been missing. Alongside Wayne Rooney and Sandro Ramirez they have a great front three, capable of causing anyone problems and they should be fun to watch this season because of that. In defence they are tight, but Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka are going to have their hands full in this one with Harry Kane, who usually comes to life in September.
Tottenham added three defenders to their squad during the transfer window, although only Davinson Sanchez care really be classed as a first team prospect right now. It would be great to see him involved but I don’t think we will. One player I expect to see come on from the bench is new striker Fernando Llorente, who was signed from Swansea last week. He gives them a plan B and should fit in with the team really well, providing support to Harry Kane.
Top Betting Tips
This game puts together two very good teams and I am really looking forward to it. Looking at the prices, I don’t think Tottenham offer much value in the game, playing away from home at just over evens, so I am more than happy to take them on.
Everton are a good team in their own right and priced up at 11/4 with Ladbrokes I think they offer good value in what looks set to be a very close game. I don’t think there is much between the two teams, and with Everton on home soil I think they can stand up to Tottenham and do enough to win the game on Saturday.
This should be an exciting, attacking game, with many scoring chances for both teams. I think the odd goal will win it, but at the prices on offer I have to side with Everton who represent the best value in a very close game that is almost too tight to call.