EPL Index
·21. August 2024
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·21. August 2024
Spurs Seek Redemption Against Struggling Everton in Premier League Showdown
Both Tottenham Hotspur and Everton will be looking to bounce back from disappointing starts to the Premier League season when they clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this Saturday. With both clubs eager to turn their fortunes around, this encounter promises to be pivotal for managers Ange Postecoglou and Sean Dyche.
Photo: IMAGO
Tottenham dominated Leicester City on Monday night, controlling possession and creating chances. Yet, despite their dominance, Spurs lacked the cutting edge in front of goal. A lapse in concentration late in the game allowed Jamie Vardy to equalise with a header, denying Spurs the victory. Meanwhile, Everton suffered a humiliating 3-0 home defeat against Brighton, compounded by Ashley Young’s red card. Sean Dyche will be under pressure to restore belief in his squad, who have now gone nearly four years without a win over Spurs.
With games against Newcastle and Arsenal looming, Postecoglou knows anything less than three points against Everton will invite scrutiny. “The lads gave everything, but we just need that extra edge in front of goal,” Postecoglou commented after the Leicester match. Spurs fans will be hoping for a more clinical performance on Saturday.
The Tottenham boss will likely have to do without Rodrigo Bentancur, who suffered a head injury against Leicester. Alfie Gray, who replaced him, could get the nod to start his first match for Spurs. However, there is good news for Tottenham as Yves Bissouma returns from suspension, and Richarlison is fit again after making a late appearance in the Leicester match.
Photo: IMAGO
Everton’s defence looked shaky against Brighton, and with Ashley Young suspended, Dyche faces another selection headache. While Jarrad Branthwaite may return from injury, Seamus Coleman and James Garner are unlikely to be available. Everton struggled to cope with Brighton’s intensity, and the prospect of facing an energetic Spurs side away from home will no doubt be daunting. “We need to regroup and find our resilience,” Dyche said, after the Brighton loss, signalling that a defensive reshuffle could be on the cards.
Tottenham’s ability to create chances, as seen against Leicester, should give them the edge against Everton. Dominic Solanke, who impressed in his debut, will be eager to open his account at home. With Everton’s struggles against Brighton fresh in the mind, Spurs will fancy their chances of exploiting the Toffees’ vulnerabilities at the back.
In summary, both Spurs and Everton will enter this match knowing they need to improve, but it’s Tottenham who seem better positioned to do so. Everton’s challenge will be to contain Spurs’ attacking flair and restore their defensive solidity. Anything less than that, and it could be another long afternoon for the Toffees.