On December 5 at 1:30 AM, Everton will host Wolverhampton Wanderers in an intriguing English Premier League clash at Goodison Park. Both teams will be keen to earn vital points as they battle to climb up the league table. Everton will look to capitalize on their home advantage, hoping to improve their form and secure a much-needed victory. Wolverhampton Wanderers, on the other hand, will be determined to build on their recent performances and challenge Everton for the three points.
Everton vs Wolves Form Guide
Everton
Everton are a team that excels in several key areas, particularly in shooting from direct free kicks, creating scoring chances, and aerial duels, where they show strong performances. They are also adept at stealing the ball from the opposition, adding to their defensive strength. However, their weaknesses are considerable, especially when it comes to keeping possession of the ball, where they struggle significantly.
Wolves
Wolves are known for their strength in finishing scoring chances and their ability to execute counter-attacks, making them a dangerous team in transition. They are also strong at creating long shot opportunities and coming back from losing positions, while their ability to steal the ball from the opposition adds to their defensive resilience. However, Wolves also have weaknesses, particularly in maintaining possession of the ball and defending against attacks down the wings.
Everton vs Wolves Key Battles
Dwight McNeil vs Matheus Cunha
In the Everton vs Wolves match, one of the key battles will be between Everton’s top scorer Dwight McNeil, who has netted 3 goals, and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, who leads his team with 7 goals. Cunha’s attacking prowess could be a significant challenge for Everton, and McNeil will need to be at his best to match his counterpart’s influence on the game.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin vs Jørgen Strand Larsen
The matchup between Everton and Wolves is set to be highlighted by key individual battles, particularly in the attacking third. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with 3 goals and assists to his name this season, will be a focal point for Everton’s offensive strategies. The other side, Wolves’ forward Jørgen Strand Larsen brings his unique skill set to the table, aiming to outshine his counterpart. While Larsen may not have matched Calvert-Lewin’s goal contributions yet, his ability to link play and create chances for his teammates makes him a vital component of Wolves’ attack.
Also Read:- Football Prediction | Ipswich Town vs Crystal Palace | English Premier League
Everton vs Wolves Tactical Outlook
Everton’s tactical style revolves around using long balls to quickly transition from defense to attack, often looking to bypass midfield congestion and create scoring opportunities through direct play. They are strong at creating chances and excel in aerial duels, making them a significant threat during set pieces and crosses. Their proficiency in shooting from direct free kicks adds another layer to their attacking options. However, Everton struggles with possession, often losing control of the ball under pressure, and this can lead to defensive instability.
Wolves excel in counter-attacking, using their speed and precision to exploit opposition vulnerabilities when they lose possession. Their attacking play is characterized by width, often attacking down the left, and they utilize long balls to quickly transition the ball forward. Wolves are strong at finishing scoring chances, making them a potent threat when they find the back of the net. They also have a resilient mentality, demonstrated by their ability to come back from losing positions.
Everton vs Wolves Head-to-Head Encounters
The current head-to-head record between Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers shows a competitive matchup, with Everton winning 5 times, Wolverhampton Wanderers claiming 7 victories, and 4 matches ending in a draw. The bookmakers predict a tight contest, offering odds of 2.05 for an Everton win, 3.30 for a draw, and 3.60 for Wolverhampton Wanderers to win. This indicates a closely contested game, with both teams having fairly balanced chances of securing the victory.
Injury News and Suspensions
Everton
Everton is currently grappling with several injury concerns. Armando Broja is dealing with an Achilles tendon injury and is considered doubtful for upcoming matches. James Garner is expected to return from a muscle injury by mid-December 2024, while Tim Iroegbunam and Youssef Chermiti, both recovering from leg and foot injuries respectively, are expected to be sidelined until late December 2024.
Wolves
Meanwhile, Wolverhampton Wanderers is also facing a string of injuries. Bastien Meupiyou is a doubt due to a muscle injury, while Boubacar Traore, who is recovering from a knee injury, is expected to return by late December 2024. Enso Gonzalez and Sasa Kalajdzic are both out with cruciate ligament injuries, with Gonzalez’s return slated for early June 2025 and Kalajdzic set to return in early January 2025. Additionally, Yerson Mosquera is recovering from a knee injury and is not expected to return until early June 2025.
Everton vs Wolves Possible Playing Squad
Everton
Pickford(GK), Mykolenko, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, Patterson, Mangala, Doucouré, Ndiaye, McNeil, Harrison, Calvert-Lewin
Wolves
Sá(GK), Aït-Nouri, Gomes, Lemina, Doherty, Gomes, André, Guedes, Cunha, Bellegarde, Larsen
Match Details at a Glance
| Match | Date | Time | Format | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everton vs Wolverhampton Wanderers | Thursday, December 5, 2024 | 1:30 AM (GMT) | Premier League | Goodison Park |
Match Prediction
The Everton vs. Wolves match is expected to end in a draw, as both teams have struggled with consistency in recent performances. Everton’s defense and Wolves’ counter-attacking style should cancel each other out, leading to a hard-fought and evenly matched encounter that finishes without a winner.
Score Prediction
The Everton vs. Wolves match is predicted to end 1-1, with both teams finding the back of the net. Everton’s attack will likely break through Wolves’ defense, but Wolves’ resilient play and counter-attacks will earn them an equalizer, resulting in a balanced draw.