Preston vs Everton predictions ahead of this pre-season friendly clash. Everton seek their first pre-season win against Preston North End at Deepdale on Saturday. Read on for our free betting tips and match preview.
Club Friendlies | Aug 3, 2024 at 3pm UK Deepdale
Preston vs Everton Predictions
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Can Everton Halt Preston’s Winning Streak in Pre-Season Clash?
Key Stats
Preston have won their last three pre-season matches, showcasing their strong form.
Everton have conceded at least two goals in each of their last three friendlies, highlighting defensive issues.
Robbie Brady has scored in each of Preston’s last two matches, underlining his attacking threat.
Everton continue their search for a pre-season victory as they prepare to face Preston North End at Deepdale on Saturday. With both teams having contrasting fortunes in their recent friendly matches, this encounter promises to be an intriguing test of form and tactics ahead of their respective league campaigns.
Everton’s Pre-Season Struggles
The Toffees are coming off a challenging Premier League season where they narrowly avoided relegation, finishing 15th despite an eight-point deduction. Sean Dyche managed to steer his side to safety, largely due to a commendable defensive record that was bettered only by the top three teams. However, their pre-season form has been far from reassuring. After a 3-3 draw with Sligo Rovers, they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Salford City, followed by a dismal 3-0 loss to Coventry City.
Dyche has been busy in the transfer market, bringing in Iliman Ndiaye, Tim Iroegbunam, Jake O’Brien, and Jesper Lindstrom, with Amadou Onana being the significant departure. Yet, the new signings have not had the desired impact so far, leaving Dyche with plenty to ponder as they prepare to face a buoyant Preston side.
Preston's Winning Momentum
Preston North End, under Ryan Lowe, are coming into this match with a three-game winning streak in pre-season. Their recent victories include an impressive 2-1 win over Europa Conference League finalists Fiorentina and a 2-0 triumph over Salford City. This run of form is a stark contrast to their end of last season, where they missed out on the Championship play-offs, losing their last five matches without scoring a goal.
Lowe's men have shown resilience and quality in their recent outings, with players like Robbie Brady and Milutin Osmajic stepping up. Brady, in particular, has been in fine form, scoring spectacular goals, including a stunning strike from outside the box against Salford. With their Championship opener against Sheffield United just a week away, Preston will be keen to maintain their momentum.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Preston North End Possible Starting Lineup: Cornell; Storey, Lindsay, Best; Potts, Whiteman, Frokjaer, Brady; Keane, Greenwood; Osmajic
Everton Possible Starting Lineup: Virginia; Coleman, Holgate, Branthwaite, Young; Garner, Iroegbunam; Harrison, Ndiaye, McNeil; Calvert-Lewin
Everton's lineup is expected to be similar to the one that faced Coventry, with Joao Virginia continuing in goal in the absence of Jordan Pickford. The battle for the striker position between Beto and Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains crucial, while Jarrad Branthwaite is likely to feature in central defence. For Preston, Milutin Osmajic's return from injury will bolster their attack, while Robbie Brady's form makes him a certainty on the left flank. New midfield additions Stefan Teitur Thordarson and Sam Greenwood are also set to play significant roles.
Expected Goals Analysis
Both teams have shown varied attacking outputs in their pre-season matches. Everton's struggle to score consistently is evident, while Preston have managed to find the net with regularity. This difference in attacking potency could play a significant role in the match's outcome. Everton's expected goals (xG) have been low, reflecting their inability to convert chances, whereas Preston's recent form suggests a higher xG, highlighting their efficiency in front of goal.
Key Areas and Player Duels
The midfield battle will be pivotal in this match. Everton's new signings will need to gel quickly to provide the creativity and defensive cover required. Players like Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner will be crucial in breaking up play and launching attacks. On the other hand, Preston's midfield, led by Benjamin Whiteman, will aim to control possession and supply their forwards.
The duel between Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Preston’s Liam Lindsay will be a key contest. Calvert-Lewin's physicality and aerial prowess will be tested against Lindsay's defensive solidity. Similarly, the clash between Robbie Brady and Seamus Coleman on Everton’s right flank will be a battle of experience and skill.
Gameplay and Strategies
Sean Dyche's Everton are likely to adopt a pragmatic approach, focusing on solid defensive organisation and hitting Preston on the counter-attack. Given their recent struggles, Dyche might opt for a more conservative setup to avoid further defensive lapses. In contrast, Ryan Lowe’s Preston will probably employ a more attacking strategy, leveraging their current form and confidence. They are expected to press high and maintain possession, looking to exploit any gaps in Everton’s defence.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Everton's primary strength lies in their defensive organisation, although recent results suggest this has been undermined by poor form. Their inability to score goals consistently remains a significant weakness. Preston's strength is their current form and attacking prowess, with players like Brady and Osmajic showing good form. However, their defensive solidity can be questioned, especially against higher-tier opposition.
Critique of Everton
Everton's pre-season has highlighted glaring issues that need immediate attention. Sean Dyche’s management has come under scrutiny due to the team's inability to find form and cohesion. The defensive resilience shown last season seems to have vanished, and their attack lacks creativity and cutting edge. Dyche's tactical approach appears outdated and rigid, failing to adapt to the dynamic nature of pre-season matches. This rigidity could spell trouble as they head into the Premier League season without a single pre-season win.
Predictions
Best Bet: Preston/Draw Double Chance
Considering Preston’s current form and Everton’s struggles, a double chance bet on Preston or a draw seems a sound choice. Preston have shown resilience and quality in their recent victories, while Everton’s lacklustre performances make it unlikely they will secure a win. Preston's confidence, coupled with Everton’s disjointed play, suggests that the Championship side could at least avoid defeat.
Correct Score: Preston 1-1 Everton
A 1-1 draw appears to be a plausible outcome given both teams' form and capabilities. Preston’s attack has been reliable, and they are likely to find the net against Everton's shaky defence. However, Everton might manage to salvage a draw with a moment of individual brilliance or a set-piece goal. This scoreline aligns with the expectation that Preston will avoid defeat but might not have enough to secure a win.
Goalscorer Prediction: Robbie Brady to Score
Robbie Brady has been in excellent form, scoring spectacular goals in recent matches. His ability to strike from distance and his set-piece prowess make him a prime candidate to score. With Everton’s defence looking vulnerable, Brady's creativity and confidence could see him add to his pre-season tally.
Team to Score First: Preston
Given their current form and attacking momentum, Preston are likely to score first. They have started their matches with high intensity and have been rewarded with early goals. Everton’s slow starts and defensive lapses further support this prediction.
Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target - Preston Over 5.5
Preston’s recent form suggests they are likely to test Everton's goalkeeper frequently. With players like Brady and Osmajic in good form, they are expected to have multiple shots on target. Considering Everton’s defensive vulnerabilities, Preston achieving over 5.5 shots on target is a realistic and well-supported bet.
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