Everton and Tottenham Hotspur will get their seasons underway at Goodison Park on Saturday.
For the home side, the offseason has not brought a whole lot of joy. A series of players have left the club but as yet, new manager Ronald Koeman has recruited just a few new players, notably Maarten Stekelenburg, Idrissa Gueye and Ashley Williams. Still in need of more of a freshen-up, the Blues’ opening day promises to be a challenge as Tottenham come knocking.
Spurs’ excellent campaign last season was marred late, squandering a 2-0 lead versus Chelsea to drop out of the title race. If that was not bad enough, their fortunes were made worse by a 5-1 final day thrashing at relegated Newcastle United, which saw bitter rivals Arsenal trump them for second place. After a slow start to preseason, the Lilywhites fired up thereafter, culminating in a 6-1 obliteration of Internazionale.
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Key Battle – Ashley Williams vs Harry Kane
Two months after England and Wales met in Lens at the European Championships, the two are set to do battle again in the Premier League. Former Swansea captain Williams joined Everton on Wednesday and has little time to adapt to his new surroundings. Likely to play alongside Ramiro Funes Mori, Williams will have to learn quickly, faced with a dangerous Spurs front line headed by Harry Kane.
The young striker underwhelmed in France but will be eager to set the record straight back in clubland, but Williams’ presence will test him. Ultimately, whether the centre-half settles will define how hard Spurs can hit the scoreboard.
Team News
Club captain Phil Jagielka is in some doubt having endured a limited preseason after returning from a hamstring injury. Romelu Lukaku sustained a bruised heel in Everton’s friendly with Espanyol but is expected to play.
Mauricio on TEAM NEWS: "Good news, @JanVertonghen is ready. Last week was perfect, he trained with the group." #COYS pic.twitter.com/pKkPXpizuV
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 11, 2016
Spurs’ injury woes have eased, with Jan Vertonghen declared fit to face the Blues. New signing Victor Wanyama is a strong chance of starting in a midfield packed with talent and options.
Head-to-Head
Spurs hold the overall ascendency over Everton with 58 wins versus the Toffees’ 48 in 157 meetings.
Previous Meeting
These sides last met at Goodison Park in January. On that occasion, a Dele Alli wonder goal on the stroke of half time pegged back Aaron Lennon’s opener to secure a 1-1 draw.
Prediction
After their Euro 2016 stars returned from leave, Spurs have looked fluid across the board and appear ready to again push for the title. Meanwhile, Everton have left plenty of their business late and, based on their 1-0 friendly defeat against Spanish side Espanyol, still look stale and with plenty of work to do. They have been presented with a tricky assignment on opening day, one which will prove beyond reach. The Koeman era may well need at least one more week to get going.
Everton 0 Tottenham Hotspur 2
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