Two teams touted for top four challenges this season will this weekend face an unexpected six-pointer at Goodison Park. Everton sit just one point above the relegation zone with Tottenham Hotspur, visiting, being only four points off themselves. Marco Silva and Mauricio Pochettino are two managers who cannot afford their sides to drop any points on Merseyside this weekend.
Tottenham Hotspur Visit Goodison in Unexpected Six Pointer
What is Going Wrong?
Since Everton spent much time courting Marco Silva, the team have done little to suggest it has been an appointment that has worked well. During his time managing Hull City, Watford and now Everton, Silva’s team all have one thing in common – leaking goals.
Tottenham, for the most part under Mauricio Pochettino, have been a solid defensive unit. This season they have conceded 15 goals in their ten Premier League games. That means together the two teams have shipped 31 goals. That is the kind of defensive form that you would expect from teams in their current positions.
Everton beat Watford in the Carabao Cup in midweek after losing 3-2 away to Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend when a last-minute Lucas Digne own goal left the Toffees deflated.
Whilst Everton’s problems are around consistency on the pitch, Tottenham’s are on and off the pitch. There are continuing rumours of unrest in the squad and question marks over why Pochettino keeps picking players such as Christian Eriksen, Serge Aurier and Danny Rose when they have been poor each time they have played. Pochettino’s press conferences have become tense affairs and the Argentinian, once straight taking, seems to veer from opinion to opinion far too often. There is a lack of cohesion at Spurs right now and another defeat on Sunday must be averted.
The Managers’ Views
Mauricio Pochettino talked about how now is not the time to think about the current position in the table but to focus on how the club finish the season. He told football.london on Friday 1st November:
”The most important thing is how we’re going to finish, it’s not this moment. It’s not nice to see us in the middle of the table, but that’s the reality that we need to accept and by accepting that we can only improve. If not you’re going to struggle. In our minds, we need time, need to strong, be solid and start to win.”
In contrast, his Everton counterpart Marco Silva told the Liverpool Echo:
“We have not achieved the results we want and taken what we deserve.
The last game is clear of that but football is about results.
We need to change it as you can’t have two faces – one when you play at home and one completely different away.”
Team News
Everton: Bernard is unlikely to start due to injury and Yerry Mina is doubtful after coming off on his return from injury in that cup game against Watford.
Tottenham: Danny Rose misses the game after being booked last weekend at Liverpool. Erik Lamela is a doubt with yet another thigh injury whilst Paulo Gazzaniga continues in goal as Hugo Lloris remains injured with a dislocated elbow.
Predictions for Unexpected Six Pointer at Goodison Park
Both teams need three points. A defeat for Everton could see them drop into the bottom three depending on other results. Tottenham need the points to move back toward the top four or will drop further toward the relegation zone. Much will depend on the Spurs’ team selection and which Everton turn up on the day. It may be early to refer to six-pointers but both teams need to kick start their seasons and both managers will be keen to avoid being put under further pressure.
Predicted Result: Everton 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur
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