Paul Merson has made his score prediction for when Everton face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, and he reckons one player in particular will cause Thomas Frank’s side some issues defensively.
David Moyes will be keen to get back into the win column after the Toffees suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last week.
There is reason to be optimistic ahead of this one, as Tottenham are going to be somewhat jaded after playing away at Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The goalless draw would’ve taken it out of them, as they didn’t have the luxury to make multiple changes until the later stages of the game.
But, Merson has explained why he reckons it’ll be a score draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Paul Merson working as a pundit
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Paul Merson reckons Jack Grealish will cause Tottenham issues in score draw
Writing in his Sportskeeda column, Merson reckons Everton winger Jack Grealish will be on form, but the lack of a prolific centre-forward for the hosts may prove to be an issue.
“Everton started well but have hit a blip now,” the former Arsenal playmaker said.
“They need a result and they need it quick. Jack Grealish returning to the team will make a difference, and he will cause Spurs problems.
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“But the problem for Everton is that they don’t have a centre-forward! No disrespect to Beto, but he’s not good enough to win games for Everton.
“Tottenham perform better when the spotlight is not on them. But it will be the opposite here because they need to get back to winning ways. I think this will be an entertaining draw.”
Merson predicted: Everton 2-2 Tottenham
David Moyes’ record against Tottenham Hotspur
Moyes doesn’t have the most fruitful record against Frank, and his history against Tottenham over the years isn’t particularly promising either.
The Scotsman has taken charge of 39 games against Spurs, however, he’s only won 11 of those meetings.
Games managed W D L G/A
39 11 12 16 47:59
Although, the most recent meeting back in January saw Moyes’ Everton side win 3-2, which was actually his first victory after replacing Sean Dyche.
Spurs are also coming into this fixture off the back of a shock 2-1 home defeat to struggling Aston Villa in the league.
So, Everton should be the favourites to get maximum points, especially in front of that vociferous crowd.