Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur: Preview & Prediction

A new era is ushered in at Everton as new manager Ronald Koeman takes charge of his first competitive fixture at Goodison Park, when the Toffees host Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday afternoon.

Dutchman Koeman was enticed to Merseyside from Southampton earlier this summer, and the supporters of the club will be hoping for a much-improved campaign, after concluding 2015/16 in 11th position.

That form brought the end of Roberto Martinez’s three-year reign in the Everton dugout, and the general feeling is Southampton’s loss will be the Blues’ gain in both the short and long-term.

Koeman has already been busy in the transfer market. Central defender John Stones, who moved to Manchester City for £47.5 million last week, was immediately replaced by the £12 million addition of Swansea City captain Ashley Williams.

Former Swansea captain Ashley Williams is one of the arrivals at Goodison Park this summer – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Idrissa Gueye is also a new recruit from recently relegated Aston Villa, with more in-comings likely to occur before the window closes at the end of the month.

Everton still have a challenge on their hand to keep striker Romelu Lukaku at the club, with the Belgium international being heavily linked with a move back to former club, Chelsea.

Tottenham Hotspur kick-start their campaign after ending last season in disappointment, finishing third behind Leicester City and north London rivals Arsenal, and failing to win any of their last four games.

Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino still guided the Lilywhites to their best season in 26 years however, and with an energetic, exciting young playing squad, expect Spurs to be in and around the mix for the title once again.

The Argentine will be keen to ensure that his side do not suffer a hangover from the previous campaign, and the acquisitions of Vincent Janssen and Victor Wanyama could be pivotal to how Tottenham approach the forthcoming season.

Spurs’ England trio of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Eric Dier will all have a significant point to prove after their country’s showing at the European Championship finals in France, while Christian Eriksen will likely support Kane from midfield on Saturday.

Everton have gone six games without recording a win over Tottenham Hotspur in the top-flight.

Team News:

According to Koeman, Lukaku is a major doubt for the visit of Tottenham, as he continues his recovery from a deep cut on his heel sustained last week, while Seamus Coleman could also be missing after suffering an injury in training.

New signing Williams will not be fit to make his Everton debut, meaning Phil Jagielka will presumably start, filling the void left by the departed Stones, while another new boy, Maarten Stekelenburg, who spent last season on loan at Southampton from Championship side Fulham, is set to deputise in-between the sticks.

For Tottenham, defender Jan Vertonghen is fit for the game at Everton after recovering from an injury suffered at Euro 2016, although Kevin Wimmer could yet start in his place, alongside Toby Alderweireld, in Tottenham’s back-line.

Last Season: Everton – 11th (47pts) Tottenham Hotspur – 3rd (70pts)
Last Meeting: Everton 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League – January 3, 2016)
League Form: Everton – DLWLLW: Tottenham Hotspur – WWDDLL
Key Men: Everton – Ross Barkley: Tottenham Hotspur – Harry Kane:
Shoot Says: Everton 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur