Tottenham Hotspur will return to Premier League duties once again as Thomas Frank’s side head to the Hill Dickinson Stadium this Sunday. The North Londoners will be facing Everton this weekend in what will be an under-pressure game for the Dane head coach.
The Lilywhites have won only one game in the past five across all competitions. So making that trip to Merseyside, the roster will be hungry to make a statement.
And while Everton are sitting in mid-table, it doesn’t show the facts about what Tottenham are going to face this weekend. David Moyes and his men have accumulated 8 points from a possible 12 at their new stadium. No visitors left with all three points.
Can Thomas Frank rediscover his magical touch on Merseyside? - Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur: Match Preview.
Everton vs Tottenham: Can Thomas Frank get better of David Moyes?
Even Man City had to dig deep to find a way through the Merseyside Blues. So this Sunday’s game won’t be a straightforward result for either side.
Tottenham have been enjoying quite a bit of a run away from North London. The Lilywhites are the only team that are unbeaten away from home this season, as they accumulated 10 points from a possible 12 while on the road. But the football hasn’t been as assuring on the pitch with that 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa at home, followed by what was a sluggish 0-0 draw against Monaco midweek in the Champions League.
There have been questions raised about creativity by the supporters given how things look a bit rusty every time Tottenham go forward (especially when facing compact opponents).
The Merseysiders’ only recent loss came at the Etihad, which was courtesy of Erling Haaland. Otherwise, the Toffees have shown strong defensive displays. There have also been these creative bursts at Everton, which is led by Jack Grealish. The England international will again be available for the hosts after sitting out against his parent club.
Team News
Can Thomas Frank rediscover his magical touch on Merseyside? - Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur: Match Preview.
Cristian Romero absence will be a big blow for Tottenham.
The injury list at Hotspur Way has been growing again. Club skipper Cristian Romero had an adductor injury last weekend alongside Destiny Udogie, who picked up a knock on his knee.
The aforementioned duo will join James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke and Yves Bissouma at the treatment table.
Wilson Odobert is doubtful going into the game, while Mathys Tel will be back, and there is a chance that he could lead the line against the Toffees. Randal Kolo Muani is also pushing for a first start.
Everton are in far better shape than Tottenham. Jarrad Branthwaite will not be participating in the game given his hamstring injury, which requires surgery. Nathan Patterson will also not be among the squad given his foot issue.
But the return of Jack Grealish will be a big boost for David Moyes & Co.
Tactical insight
Tottenham have again been linked with a move for Jack Grealish after failing to sign him during his time at Aston Villa
Tottenham had been linked with a move for Jack Grealish before his eventual Everton loan
With David Moyes, you’d expect him to use those wide channels to stretch Tottenham’s structure. And given that he has Jack Grealish back in contention, he would want to use the England international to pull strings.
The Blues don’t really dominate possession, but they are dangerous when it comes to transitions and set pieces.
While this Tottenham under Thomas Frank is still a work in progress. We have seen in the past games a lot of times how that final attacking side is still working its way out. But Frank will want to use his wide plays as well to take advantage of a compact defence without their key cog (Branthwaite).
Predicted lineups
Everton (4-2-3-1): Pickford; O’Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Barry
Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Sarr; Kudus, Simons, Tel; Richarlison
Prediction
Tottenham have not won away at Everton since 2018. And given the current form with these injuries, it does look like a sketchy trip to Merseyside.
While Everton’s form at home has been particularly impressive, we think that the Lilywhites’ away resilience might just hold out. Just enough to salvage a draw.
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur