Everton and Wolves are set to clash on matchday 3 of the Premier League in a battle between two struggling teams. Both sides find themselves at the bottom of the table, desperately seeking their first win of the season. The upcoming match promises to be a crucial one for both teams as they look to turn their fortunes around.
Everton, led by manager Sean Dyche, suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat against Aston Villa in their last outing. The Toffees’ defense was in shambles, conceding four goals and leaving fans questioning their team’s capabilities. To make matters worse, star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin had to be substituted due to a facial injury, adding to Dyche’s woes.
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On the other hand, Wolves also endured a disappointing defeat, losing 4-1 to table-toppers Brighton and Hove Albion. The match was marred by Matheus Nunes’ late red card, leaving new manager Gary O’Neil with a bitter taste in his mouth. Both teams will be eager to put their previous defeats behind them and secure a much-needed victory.
The match is scheduled to take place on August 26th, 2023, at Goodison Park. The game officials appointed for this clash are referee Craig Pawson, assistants Marc Perry and Steve Meredith, fourth official James Linington, VAR Graham Scott, and assistant VAR Wade Smith.
In terms of team news, Everton will be without the services of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who sustained a cheekbone fracture. Alex Iwobi is also a doubt after suffering a minor hamstring issue in the last game. However, Andre Gomes and new signing Youssef Chermiti are expected to be in contention for a starting spot. On the other hand, Wolves will only miss Matheus Nunes due to suspension, with Pablo Sarabia ready to step in as a replacement.
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Analyzing Everton’s performance, they have adopted a 4-3-3/4-1-4-1 hybrid system this season, deviating from Dyche’s usual 4-4-2 approach. The midfield trio of Idrissa Gueye, Amadou Onana, and Abdoulaye Doucoure has been deployed effectively, working tirelessly both on and off the ball. However, Everton’s struggles lie in their attacking prowess, as they have failed to score a single goal thus far. The absence of Calvert-Lewin due to injury only exacerbates their problems. The responsibility to find the back of the net will fall on the shoulders of Arnaut Danjuma and Neil Maupay, the only attacking reinforcements in Everton’s roster.
Wolves, under the guidance of Gary O’Neil, have continued with the system he employed during his time at AFC Bournemouth last season. However, they have only managed to score one goal in their opening two games, a consolation from Hwang Hee Chan against Brighton. To stand a chance of defeating Everton, Wolves must create more opportunities and convert them into goals.
The match between Everton and Wolves is expected to be an intriguing encounter, with both teams desperate for a win to kickstart their season. Last season, both sides found themselves in the relegation scrap but managed to survive. This time around, they will be determined to avoid a similar situation.
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One key player to watch out for in Everton’s lineup is Amadou Onana. The Belgian midfielder has been instrumental in the team’s midfield, showcasing his ball retention skills and dribbling abilities. Despite Everton’s defeats in the previous games, Onana’s individual performances have been a silver lining for the Toffees’ faithful.
Based on current form and potential lineups, the predicted XIs for the match are as follows:
Everton (4-3-3): Pickford, Young, Tarkowski, Keane, Patterson, Gueye, Onana, Doucoure, Danjuma, Maupay, Garner.
Wolves (4-4-1-1): Sa, Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Ait Nouri, Neto, Gomes, Lemina, Sarabia, Cunha, Silva.
As Everton and Wolves prepare to face each other, the outcome of this match could have a significant impact on the trajectory of their respective seasons. Both teams will be desperate to secure their first win and gain some much-needed momentum.
For Everton, the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be a major blow to their attacking options. The burden of scoring goals will likely fall on the shoulders of Arnaut Danjuma and Neil Maupay, who will need to step up and deliver for their team. The midfield trio of Idrissa Gueye, Amadou Onana, and Abdoulaye Doucoure will have a crucial role in controlling the game and providing support to the attacking players.
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On the other hand, Wolves will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing defeat against Brighton. They will rely on the creativity of Pablo Sarabia and the goal-scoring instincts of Rafa Mir and Andre Silva to trouble Everton’s defense. The midfield battle between Youssef Gomes and Amadou Onana could be a key factor in determining the outcome of the match.
Defensively, both teams have struggled in the early stages of the season. Everton’s backline, led by Michael Keane and James Tarkowski, will need to tighten up and avoid the defensive lapses that have cost them goals. Wolves, on the other hand, will rely on the experience of Conor Coady and the solidity of their defensive unit to keep Everton at bay.
In terms of tactics, Everton is likely to adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on defensive stability and hitting Wolves on the counter-attack. Wolves, under Gary O’Neil, will aim to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities through their intricate passing game.
Overall, this match promises to be a closely contested affair between two teams desperate for a win. The outcome could have a significant impact on their confidence and momentum going forward in the Premier League. Both managers will be under pressure to deliver a positive result and kickstart their respective campaigns.
