Everton vs. Bournemouth Preview, Prediction, Lineups and Team News | Premier League

Preview

• Date – Saturday, August 21, 2024
• Kick-off Time – 03:00 pm GMT
• Venue – Goodison Park

Everton and Bournemouth will face off at Goodison Park this Saturday with both teams searching for their first Premier League win of the season. Everton, currently at the bottom of the table, are desperate to find some form while Bournemouth are still unbeaten after two draws but have yet to secure a victory.

Everton’s start to the season has been far from ideal. A heavy 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur followed a 3-0 loss at home to Brighton leaving Sean Dyche’s side without a goal or point in the league. But a 3-1 win over Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Cup, with goals from Dwight McNeil, Iliman Ndiaye, and Beto, has given the Toffees a much-needed boost.

On the other hand, Bournemouth have had a frustrating start under new manager Andoni Iraola. They fought hard in a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United, only to have a late goal controversially ruled out by VAR. Their disappointment continued with a narrow 2-1 loss to West Ham in the EFL Cup, extending their winless run in all competitions.

Historically, Everton have the upper hand at Goodison Park, winning their last two home encounters against Bournemouth without conceding a goal. However, Bournemouth’s last visit to Everton ended in a dramatic 2-1 victory for the Cherries, with a late own goal from Seamus Coleman.

With both teams eager to turn their fortunes around, Saturday’s clash promises to be a tense and crucial encounter as they search for their first Premier League win of the season.

Team News

Everton Team News

Everton’s defensive issues have slightly improved since their heavy defeat to Tottenham. Ashley Young is available again after serving a one-match suspension, but Nathan Patterson (thigh) and Jarrad Branthwaite (groin) are still sidelined and expected to return only after the international break.

Striker Chermiti is also out for a few more weeks due to an ankle injury. On a positive note, long-serving captain Seamus Coleman played 67 minutes in the EFL Cup win over Doncaster Rovers, showing he is close to full fitness. Young may replace Coleman for the Bournemouth match, while key players Abdoulaye Doucoure, Idrissa Gueye, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who were rested midweek, are expected to return to the starting lineup.

Bournemouth Team News

Bournemouth could see the debut of on-loan Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is set to become the Cherries’ first-choice keeper during his loan spell. But manager Andoni Iraola will have to cope without Enes Unal (foot), Tyler Adams (back), and David Brooks (shoulder), all of whom are unavailable for the trip to Goodison Park.

Daniel Jebbison was substituted at halftime in the midweek defeat to West Ham, but the change was likely tactical. New signing Evanilson is expected to take Jebbison’s place in the starting lineup, while full-backs Julian Araujo and Milos Kerkez are set to return to the defense with fresh legs.

Predicted Lineups

Everton Predicted Lineups:

Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko; Harrison, Gueye, Doucoure, Iroegbunam, McNeil; Calvert-Lewin.

Bournemouth Predicted Lineup:

Kepa; Araujo, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Cook, Scott; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson.

Head-to-Head

Everton and Bournemouth have faced each other 16 times in their history. Both teams have won 7 matches each, with 2 encounters ending in a draw, highlighting the closely contested nature of this fixture.

Everton vs. Bournemouth Prediction

Everton and Bournemouth are both struggling to find their rhythm early in the season, with neither manager having a strong track record in August. Bournemouth’s aggressive style, highlighted by 20 fouls against Newcastle, might give Everton opportunities to finally find the back of the net.

However, with both sides looking to avoid another disappointing result, a closely contested match is expected. A draw seems likely as both teams are capable of scoring but may fall short of securing a win.

Predicted Score: Everton 1-1 Bournemouth

Betting tips and Odds (subject to change)

• Everton win – 2.80
• Bournemouth win – 2.55
• Draw – 3.45
• Odds source – Unibet

Where to Watch Everton vs. Bournemouth Live?

Also Read: Manchester United vs Liverpool Preview, Prediction, Lineups and Team News | Premier League