Everton vs Wolverhampton predictions for Saturday’s Premier League tie at Goodison Park. Everton and Wolves are still looking for their first win of the season and this is already a crucial match for both despite we are just at the start of the season. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Saturday, 26th August at 3:00 pm In:
Everton vs Wolverhampton Predictions
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Everton and Wolves: An Early Battle for Redemption at Goodison Park
Key Stats
– Wolves’ striking issue: 19.5 shots per game, but only one goal scored this season.
– Defensive woes: Both teams have conceded a whopping five goals in their initial two fixtures.
This weekend, Goodison Park is poised to host a pivotal clash as Everton welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers. Both outfits, albeit with their share of history and legacy in the Premier League, have shockingly found themselves starting this campaign on a less-than-positive note.
Everton, managed by the experienced Sean Dyche, find themselves languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table. Losing to Fulham and suffering a heavy defeat from Aston Villa, the Merseyside Blues seem to have hit a rough patch. Many had pinned their hopes on Dyche, believing his leadership would be the steady anchor Everton needed.
However, initial games suggest otherwise, painting a bleak picture. Adding salt to their wounds is the injury of star forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, further crippling their attacking prowess. Now, with a potentially lengthy absence for Calvert-Lewin on the horizon, there’s increasing pressure on Everton to bolster their ranks to find that elusive goal-scoring touch.
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On the flip side, Wolverhampton Wanderers, currently in 19th place, mirrored Everton’s poor start with two successive losses. Their defeat at Old Trafford might have been palatable due to the robust performance they delivered. However, the devastating loss against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend would have surely shaken the confidence of the Black Country side. With financial constraints and the unexpected managerial switch before the season, Wolves seem to have an uphill battle ahead.
Key Players on Show
Before delving into predictions, it’s essential to focus on the potential match-winners. For Everton, according to our BettingTips4You Expert Ratings, James Garner stands out with a rating of 7.15. The likes of Amadou Onana and Alex Iwobi also possess the quality to turn the game on its head.
For Wolves, Matheus Cunha tops the list with a stellar 7.35 rating, closely followed by Pedro Neto and Craig Dawson. Hee-Chan Hwang, their only goal-scorer this season, could be the wildcard Wolves require.
Past Endeavours and Tactical Analysis
Historically, a prior meeting between these two sides in May ended in a 1-1 draw. A look at their current form tells a story of two teams starved of goals. Everton, yet to find the net this season, and Wolves with just a single goal, suggest a looming tactical battle.
Everton’s defence, despite their attempts, has been lacklustre, allowing five goals in two games. Their gameplay shows decent ball possession and a commendable number of shots per game, but their finishing is where they falter. Wolves, on the other hand, show promise in dribbling and ground duels. However, like Everton, their attack needs refinement.
Predictions
1. Match Outcome: Draw
Historical Analysis and Current Form: Both Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers have had rocky starts to the season, making this encounter one that neither team can afford to lose. Their last encounter in May saw them sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw, indicating that there isn’t much to separate the two sides. While many may argue that Everton’s home advantage might tip the scales in their favour, it’s essential to remember that they’ve already suffered a defeat at Goodison Park against Fulham this season. Meanwhile, Wolves, although having had a drubbing at the hands of Brighton, showed resilience against Manchester United at Old Trafford, which shouldn’t be ignored.
Midfield Battles and Team Spirit: Everton and Wolves’ midfield performances this season suggest a tightly contested battle in the heart of the pitch. With the likes of James Garner and Amadou Onana on the Toffees’ side and Matheus Cunha and Pedro Neto for Wolves, both teams are well equipped in this department. Moreover, both managers, Sean Dyche and Gary O’Neil, understand the Premier League’s pressures, meaning they’ll set their teams up to avoid defeat before thinking of a win. The spirit and determination to not lose might just see both teams cancelling each other out.
2. Correct Score Prediction: 0-0
Defensive Resilience After Heavy Defeats: Both Everton and Wolves will be keen to patch up their defences after conceding four goals in their respective previous matches. It’s often seen that after heavy defeats, teams tend to focus on solidifying their defences in the subsequent matches. Given that both Sean Dyche and Gary O’Neil are known for their tactical nous, it’s likely that they’ll adopt a safety-first approach.
Lacklustre Attacks: To bolster the argument for a goalless draw, one only needs to look at both teams’ attacking stats this season. Everton are still in search of their first goal, and Wolves have only managed to find the net once. Last season, the goal tally was equally uninspiring, with Everton netting just 34 times and Wolves even less, making them the two most goal-shy teams.
3. Goalscorer Prediction: None
Key Strikers Out of Form or Injured: The standout reason for predicting no goalscorer is the evident lack of form and injury concerns plaguing key players. Everton’s main striker, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a figure many would bet on to break the deadlock, has had recurring injury problems, particularly the recent facial injury. The constant interruptions in his game time hamper his rhythm and goal-scoring touch. On the other hand, Wolves’ forwards have shown promise but lack the clinical edge, as reflected in their sole goal this season.
Tight Midfield Battle: The midfield battle, as previously discussed, is expected to be intense and contested. With both teams having midfielders who rank highly in their performance ratings, it’s likely that the majority of the game will be played in the centre of the park. This central congestion might just suffocate any clear goal-scoring opportunities, further justifying the prediction for no goalscorer.
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