Everton host Fulham at Goodison Park on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 5:30 PM (UK time) in a Premier League showdown. Both teams are seeking to regain momentum after contrasting starts to the season, with Everton aiming to extend their unbeaten streak and Fulham looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats.
Match Significance
After a difficult beginning to the season, Everton have found form under Sean Dyche, going unbeaten in their last four matches. They currently sit 16th in the table and will be eager to continue climbing away from the relegation zone. Fulham, in 10th place, started brightly but have suffered back-to-back losses, making this an important match to regain their footing in the top half of the table.
Team Analysis
Everton
Everton’s season turned around after a dreadful start, where they lost their opening four games and conceded 12 goals. Sean Dyche has since stabilised the team, with the Toffees collecting eight points in their last four fixtures. Their recent 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town was marked by a dominant defensive display, restricting their opponents to no shots on target until the 80th minute.
The Toffees have shown a pattern of strong October performances, and Dyche will hope this trend continues. Defensively, they’ve kept six clean sheets in their last seven league games in October across the last two seasons. However, Everton have struggled against Fulham at home recently, losing their last three league encounters at Goodison Park—a trend they’ll look to reverse.
Key players for Everton include Dwight McNeil, who is expected to play in a central attacking role, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who will lead the line. Everton’s midfield is anchored by the solid duo of Abdoulaye Doucoure and Idrissa Gueye, providing stability in the centre of the park.
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Fulham
Fulham’s promising early-season form hit a stumbling block with defeats to Manchester City and Aston Villa. Despite scoring first in each of their last five games, they’ve failed to hold onto leads, losing the last two. The Cottagers have shown attacking intent, but defensive lapses have cost them, and they’ll need a more disciplined performance against an improving Everton side.
Marco Silva’s return to Goodison Park will be noteworthy, given his previous stint as Everton manager. Fulham’s recent success at Goodison—winning three of their last five visits—gives them confidence. The team will look to Raul Jimenez, who has scored three times in his last four appearances, to continue his good form. The creativity of Adama Traore and Emile Smith Rowe will be key, while former Everton winger Alex Iwobi will be eager to impress against his old club.
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Head-to-Head History
Everton and Fulham last met in January 2024, playing out a goalless draw at Craven Cottage. Fulham have had the upper hand in recent encounters at Goodison Park, winning their last three visits. Historically, Everton have dominated this fixture at home, going unbeaten in 27 matches against Fulham from 1949 to 2018, but recent results suggest a shift in the balance of power.
Predictions & Betting Tips
Match Prediction
Everton’s recent form and home advantage make them slight favourites, but Fulham’s ability to score early means this match could be a tightly contested affair. Everton’s defensive improvement suggests they could edge this clash.
Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Everton 1-0 Fulham.
Betting Markets Predictions
- Both Teams to Score: No. Everton’s solid recent defensive record and Fulham’s struggle to maintain leads make this a likely outcome.
- Over/Under 2.5 Goals (Full Time): Under 2.5. Both teams have shown defensive capabilities, suggesting a low-scoring encounter.
- First Goal Scorer: Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The Everton striker is poised to take advantage of Fulham’s defensive vulnerabilities.
- Hot Stat: Fulham have scored first in their last five Premier League games but failed to secure victory in the last two, indicating a trend of quick starts but inconsistent finishes.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Everton:
Sean Dyche has a few injury concerns, with Tim Iroegbunam, Youssef Chermiti, and Armando Broja ruled out. James Garner’s back problem is also a concern, but Jarrad Branthwaite and Jesper Lindstrom are expected to be back in the squad.
Expected Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
- Defenders: Ashley Young, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Vitaliy Mykolenko
- Midfielders: Idrissa Gueye, Abdoulaye Doucoure
- Forwards: Jack Harrison, Dwight McNeil, Iliman Ndiaye; Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Fulham:
Fulham’s squad is dealing with injuries to Sasa Lukic, Timothy Castagne, and doubts over Jorge Cuenca and Carlos Vinicius. Joachim Andersen’s suspension is a blow, with Issa Diop expected to step in.
Expected Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno
- Defenders: Kenny Tete, Issa Diop, Calvin Bassey, Antonee Robinson
- Midfielders: Sander Berge, Andreas Pereira
- Forwards: Adama Traore, Emile Smith Rowe, Alex Iwobi; Rodrigo Muniz
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