We’ve got a storied Premier League matchup on tap for Saturday. Tottenham and Everton have two of the top five longest top-flight streaks in the Premier League and have matched up twice a year for the past five decades. This matchup finds both clubs in interesting spots and adds a little extra drama on top.
Tottenham are +100 moneyline favorites for this one on DraftKings Sportsbook, with a draw available at +265. Everton’s moneyline is set at +260.
Tottenham vs. Everton Prediction, Pick
Premier League drama seems to escalate quickly. Less than two weeks ago, these clubs were embroiled in transfer drama. Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye was set to be sold to Tottenham on the condition that former Everton star Richarlison would head back to his former club in a swap deal. But for whatever reason, the deal fell apart; Ndiaye was sold to Manchester City instead, and Tottenham were left with no new player and one very unhappy striker, who took to Instagram to voice his frustrations with the club. Richarlison has not been selected for either of their last two contests, and may seek to cancel his agreement with the club.
The results haven’t been much better than the drama. After helping save the Spurs from relegation this past season, Roberto De Zerbi’s side has one point from three contests. They’re one of three Premier League sides not to score a goal so far. Probably a bad time to be upsetting one of your best strikers. Though the talent in this squad is undeniable, the complete lack of stability threatens to undermine them again: too many new faces, too many departures, too many changes at the helm. Someone needs to step in and set the tone for this club, or else they’re going to be in for another relegation fight.
Everton, meanwhile, must be enjoying their results. Undefeated in four competitive matches this season, David Moyes’ men have shown a penchant for the dramatic. Their opening-day win over Crystal Palace was clinical and drama-free, as was their 4-0 win over Preston North End in the EFL Cup. In their past two matches, the Toffees have drawn level on stoppage-time equalizers, pulling two points from the jaws of defeat. Those two points will go a long way for a mid-table side looking to push for a European bid this year; given their lack of squad depth, early season results have to be a priority.
Here’s the main question that must be answered: Can Tottenham’s attack muster any juice? Omar Marmoush, Mohammed Kudus, and Mathys Tel have looked dangerous at times, but the results haven’t followed. If they get frustrated against a stout Everton back line and a top-notch goalkeeper in Jordan Pickford, they’ll end up goalless once again, and the Toffees will surely find a way to win. This sure would be a good time for Dominic Solanke to step in and make a difference; the veteran forward has scored many timely goals for the Spurs in his time with the club.
Everton will hope their cohesive play proves an issue for a disorderly Tottenham club. Despite the sales of Ndiaye, Beto, and a couple of other contributors, it’s business as usual for the Merseyside club. Stay sound on the back line, play in the wide areas, and supply all the service possible to striker Thierno Barry. The key man here is Jack Grealish; after returning on loan, Grealish becomes Everton’s most important attacking threat. His take-on and foul-drawing ability is key to their formula, creating valuable set pieces and slowing the pace of play. All it takes is one key dribble or cross for Grealish to make his mark on this match.
Talent is one thing, but results are another. You can make a good argument that Tottenham have been the more talented side in all three of their league matches so far, and have one draw to show for it. Meanwhile, Everton keep pulling out results despite a threadbare squad light on big-name talent. I’ll back the more coherent side to take all three points on the road while hedging against the ever-looming draw.
