Sligo Rovers vs Everton predictions for this pre-season friendly. Everton begin 2024-25 preparations with a pre-season friendly against League of Ireland’s Sligo Rovers on Saturday afternoon. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Club Friendlies | Jul 19, 2024 at 4pm UK
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Sligo Rovers vs Everton Predictions
Will Both Teams Find the Net as Everton Face Sligo Rovers?
Key Stats
– Sligo Rovers have won their last three league matches.
– Everton scored 40 goals and conceded 51 in the Premier League last season.
– Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to lead Everton’s attack and find the net.
Everton will kickstart their preparations for the 2024-25 season with a pre-season friendly against Sligo Rovers, a team currently well into their League of Ireland Premier Division campaign. This match serves as an important tune-up for Everton as they build towards their Premier League opener against Brighton & Hove Albion on August 17, while providing Sligo Rovers a chance to test themselves against higher-tier opposition.
Everton’s Pre-Season Preparations and Squad Dynamics
Everton have not played since their 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on May 19, marking the end of their 2023-24 season. This upcoming friendly is the first of five pre-season fixtures for the Toffees, with subsequent games scheduled against Salford City, Coventry City, Preston North End, and Roma. These matches are crucial for Sean Dyche’s side as they seek to avoid another relegation battle and aim for a more stable Premier League campaign.
The Toffees have seen some changes in their squad over the summer. New signings Iliman Ndiaye and Tim Iroegbunam are expected to make their debuts in this match, bringing fresh energy to the team. Meanwhile, Ben Godfrey’s departure has been a significant change, and there are ongoing transfer speculations regarding Amadou Onana and Jarrad Branthwaite. Key players such as Seamus Coleman, James Tarkowski, James Garner, Ashley Young, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are expected to be among the starters, providing a blend of experience and talent.
Everton’s likely starting lineup for this match might include:
- Goalkeeper: Virginha
- Defenders: Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Young
- Midfielders: Doucoure, Gueye, Garner
- Forwards: McNeil, Calvert-Lewin, Ndiaye
This setup showcases a balanced approach, combining defensive resilience with attacking prowess.
Sligo Rovers’ Form and Tactical Approach
Sligo Rovers enter this friendly on the back of a solid run in the League of Ireland Premier Division, with three consecutive wins over Shamrock Rovers, Derry City, and Bohemians. John Russell’s side currently sits sixth in their domestic league, with 34 points from 24 matches. This position places them just three points behind third-placed Waterford, highlighting their competitive edge.
Rovers have a busy schedule, as they will be back in action two days after this friendly against Cobh Wanderers in the FAI Cup. This match against Everton is a significant test for Sligo Rovers, providing them with an opportunity to measure their progress against a Premier League side.
The probable starting XI for Sligo Rovers could be:
- Goalkeeper: McGinty
- Defenders: Wiggett, Denham, Pijnaker, Hutchinson
- Midfielders: Morahan, Malley, Mallon, Chapman, Fitzgerald
- Forward: Waweru
This formation indicates a focus on a solid defensive structure and quick transitions, essential for competing against a stronger opponent like Everton.
Key Areas and Match Dynamics
The midfield battle will be a focal point in this encounter. Everton’s midfield trio of Doucoure, Gueye, and Garner will need to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. Sligo Rovers’ midfield, led by Morahan and Malley, must counter this with disciplined defensive work and quick transitions.
On the wings, Everton’s McNeil and Ndiaye will be crucial in stretching Sligo’s defence and delivering crosses for Calvert-Lewin. Sligo’s full-backs will have to remain vigilant to prevent Everton from exploiting wide areas.
Critique of Team and Managerial Strategies
Sean Dyche has implemented a pragmatic approach at Everton, focusing on solid defensive organisation and efficient counter-attacks. However, the team’s attacking output needs improvement to ensure they are not dragged into another relegation scrap. Dyche must also integrate new signings effectively to bolster the squad’s overall quality.
John Russell has done well to guide Sligo Rovers to a competitive position in the League of Ireland. However, his team’s defensive lapses, as evidenced by the 28 goals conceded in 24 matches, need addressing. Russell’s strategy in this friendly will likely involve a compact defensive setup and exploiting counter-attacking opportunities.
Predictions
Best Bet: Both Teams To Score
Given Sligo Rovers’ form and Everton’s adjustments in pre-season, both teams finding the net seems a likely outcome. Sligo’s recent scoring form and Everton’s potential defensive rustiness support this prediction.
Correct Score Prediction: Sligo Rovers 1-2 Everton
Considering Everton’s quality and Sligo’s competitive edge, a 2-1 victory for Everton appears plausible. This scoreline reflects Everton’s superior attacking options and Sligo’s ability to pose a threat on home soil.
Goalscorer Prediction: Dominic Calvert-Lewin to Score
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Everton’s leading striker, is expected to find the net in this match. His aerial prowess and finishing skills will be crucial against a Sligo defence that might struggle with his physicality.
First Team to Score: Everton
Given Everton’s higher quality and expected dominance, they are likely to score first. Their ability to create early chances should see them take the lead.
Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target – Everton Over 6.5
Everton’s attacking setup and need to build confidence suggest they will have numerous shots on target. With their quality in the final third, betting on them to exceed 6.5 shots on target is supported by the context of this pre-season friendly.
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