Premier League: Everton and Tottenham Seeking Light at the End of the Tunnel

Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur

Following the departure of Antonio Conte at Spurs, Cristian Stellini is set to take over once again, and he’ll face the task of trying to secure a top four spot here in the Premier League.

With Newcastle also hosting Manchester United this weekend, the Champions League spots may have different owners at the end of this matchday, but a win here for Tottenham would surely boost their hopes.

As of this writing, Manchester United are in third place with 50 points, while Tottenham are right behind them with 49, and Newcastle are in fifth with 47.

15^th placed Everton, meanwhile, still have a lot of work to do in order to secure their top-flight status next season, and beating Tottenham is a step in the right direction.

Talking Points

Top-flight or bust for Everton

Everton are two points above the relegation zone, having played more games than four of the clubs below them, but they are at risk of a points deduction, which would be a crushing blow to their hopes of survival.

The Toffees have improved lately with two draws and one win prior to the international break after losing to the Villans and Gunners. Abdoulaye Doucoure has been key to their positive Premier League 2023 results before the international break, anchoring their midfield.

Under Sean Dyche’s leadership, Doucoure has re-established himself after receiving little playing time under former manager Frank Lampard. This season, he has two goals and two assists.

Abdoulaye Doucoure, Dwight McNeil, and Demarai Gray will have to be at their best when the Spurs visit Goodison Park on Monday, especially with Dominic Calvert-Lewin still injured.

Does Stellini have what it takes?

Antonio Conte’s harsh outburst forced Tottenham to remove him. But the good news is that Cristian Stellini has previous experience in this capacity because he stepped in for the Italian a few months back when the latter underwent gall bladder surgery.

Stellini actually boasts a 100-per cent record as Spurs boss, winning all four of his games against Marseille, Manchester City, West Ham United, and Chelsea. The Chelsea win was notable since it was their first victory against them since 2018.

So the question is whether he can keep it up as their permanent manager because his previous stint in that capacity wasn’t exactly great.

His only spell as permanent manager of a professional side came in 2017, when he was with Alessandria, a third-tier Italian side. He only lasted 16 matches because he was fired in November after winning only three games.

Here at Tottenham, Stellini is in a bad situation not only because of their poor performances but also regarding the club’s state as a whole.

That’s because managing director Fabio Paratici decided to take an immediate leave of absence after he was handed a 30-month ban by FIFA when his former club Juventus was found guilty of false accounting.

It’s been a tumultuous week for Tottenham, so staying in the Champions League race will be their main consolation.

History

Everton have won only one of their last 20 Premier League games against Tottenham (D9, L10). Their last win was a 1-0 result in North London in September 2020.

Tottenham are undefeated at Goodison Park in nine consecutive games since losing three straight between January 2011 and December 2012 (W3, D6), although their last three meetings there ended in draws.

They also have kept more clean sheets against Everton in the Premier League (24) than against any other opponent, including their last three encounters.

But Everton have won three of their last four Premier League games at Goodison Park (L1) since Sean Dyche became their head coach, which is more than in their first 10 matches under Frank Lampard (W2, D2, L6).

In their previous meeting last October, Tottenham came away with a 2-0 win against Everton when Harry Kane and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg scored one goal each after a goalless first half.

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP Premier League 2023 odds favour Tottenham to win on Monday, but their margin for error is not that big despite their places in the standings. The Spurs are priced at 2.20 to win, whereas Everton are at 3.05, and a draw is pegged at 3.15 in the 1X2 market.

Regardless of the outcome, Spurs should have goals in this match, so Total Goal 2-3 at 1.90 is a good option. Another bet to think about is going for the replay of their reverse fixture, Correct Score 2-0 for Spurs, which is installed at 9.75.

 

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