Everton vs Fulham – Analysis, Prediction, Team News

As part of our weekend Premier League predictions, we take examine Fulham’s trip to Goodison Park. Fulham have lost 5 in a row in all competitions, while Everton have lost 1 in 5 at home – home win? Read on with our Everton vs Fulham prediction.

Everton vs Fulham Match Preview

Everton come into this game in desperate need of points. Indeed, the Toffees have only won one of their previous seven games (1-0 against Brentford). However, before losing at Old Trafford at the weekend, they had attained 6 points from 12. Everton were very disappointing against Man United. The home side had 29 shots and xG of 3.84, and Pickford made multiple saves. Dyche set his team higher, looking to win the ball from United’s midfielders without Casemiro in the engine room. However, the plan backfired, and Everton deservedly lost.

At home, Everton are 18th of 20 in the league in terms of form. They have won five games at home all season, and only Leicester and Southampton have accrued fewer points. Everton are in 17th position in the league table, only above Leicester on goal difference. With only six points separating 19th to 13th, there will be some squeaky bums in the season’s remaining weeks. Coach Sean Dyche needs points, regardless of how he can get them.

Fulham make the long trip north having experienced an excellent season. However, they have hit a lull in recent weeks. They haven’t won in five league games, losing the last four. What could account for this deterioration in form? We are unsure, but it could be the result of a team that had been punching above their weight reverting to the mean. Still, they should have done better against Bournemouth and West Ham; against the latter, Fulham had an xG of 0.77, which is very poor.

A big part of why Fulham are struggling is Mitrovic’s suspension. However, they were going downhill before that, so the Serbian’s absence only explains some things. Regardless, Fulham are safe this season, in the 10th position with 39 points. Given their continual movement between the Premier League and the Championship, they will be pleased to have a second season confirmed for next year. They have generally been good on their travels, too – they are eighth in the away table this season, having accumulated 17 points. This statistic should give them some confidence in coming to Goodison, even if their current form does not.

Team News

Injuries and Suspensions

Everton:

Might Not Play: Vinagre, Coleman, Calvert-Lewin

Will Not Play: Townsend, Doucoure

Fulham:

Might Not Play:

Will Not Play: Kurzawa, Kebano, Duffy, Mitrovic

Everton vs Fulham Lineups (Predicted)

Everton (4-5-1 / 4-3-3): Pickford; Godfrey, Tarkowski, Coady, Patterson; McNeil, Onana, Gueye, Garner, Iwobi; Gray

Fulham (4-2-3-1): Leno; Robinson, Ream, Diop, Tete; Palhinha, Reed; Willian, Pereira, Decordova-Reid; Vinicius

Everton vs Fulham Analysis

Everton Have Been Picking Up More Points But Winning Few. They Will Likely Have More Possession

The Toffees had obtained six priceless points from twelve, but they were comfortably dispatched 2-0 by Man Utd at Old Trafford. However, United are strong at home, so Everton shouldn’t be too despondent. Truth be told, they were massively open, and Dyche’s high line was kamikaze defending against a counter-attacking side like United. Indeed, Pickford had to make several good saves. Therefore, Everton might go back to basics here and play smarter than in Manchester. Their fans will want them to be expansive, but they must try to get the balance right.

The game’s flow could be clearer to predict, but we expect Everton to have more of the ball as the home team and take the game to Fulham. Gueye, Onana and Garner must try to take care of the ball in midfield positions and build the play. They must also be mindful of Fulham’s counter-attacking threat and not overcommit too much. If the midfielders can cover space, Patterson and Iwobi can try to get forward on the right. McNeil’s delivery from the left could also be helpful.

Gray offers the sort of spark nobody else in this Everton side does. We expect him to start in attack despite Simms being given the nod in the previous game. Everton lack attacking reinforcements with the talismanic Calvert-Lewin doubtful. His injury woes have been a massive problem, as Everton have experienced a paucity of goals scored (a league-low of 23). However, Maupay can enter and show his industry later in the game.

Fulham Have Been On A Downward Spiral. They Will Likely Play On The Counter

Let us be clear; many people thought Fulham would struggle this season as they have been the typical yo-yo club in recent years. Hence, their position in the league table is a testament to coach Marco Silva and the club. However, despite this, the team have lost the last four league games and appear to be on more of a downturn. Their feelings of persecution over the FA Cup debacle at Old Trafford won’t have helped, but they had already lost London derbies to Brentford and Arsenal before that. Losses to Bournemouth and West Ham do not look good, nor does the fact that Fulham have only scored seven goals in the previous ten games.

Hence, it is imperative that Fulham (despite being safe) try to get back on track and finish their season on a high. We expect Reed and Palhinha to be their usual hard-working selves in midfield and not make it easy for Everton to pass the ball. Robinson and Tete will try to get forward from full-back to supplement the attack. Leno’s distribution could also be vital, especially his long-kicking (the same as Pickford’s for Everton).

Mitrovic is still missing due to his moment of madness against Man Utd and will be for another month. Therefore, Vinicius must try to lead the line, hold the ball, and make good runs in the box for Willian and Decordova-Reid to pick him out. Solomon could start too, and he has a bit of guile and trickery to open Everton up. Pereira will try to link the play from the number 10 position. Overall, we expect Fulham to play their usual counter-attacking game; James and Wilson could also come on later to inject pace and creativity.

Our Prediction

In truth, while all teams are professional, this game matters more to Everton as Fulham are already safe. In contrast, the Merseysiders are still under serious threat of relegation. However, Fulham have pride (as all professional football sides do) and will want to end this four-game losing streak as soon as possible. The Londoners will play on the counter-attack and look for transitions. Of course, there will be moments they have more of the ball and pin Everton back, but the general flow will likely be Everton pushing forward as the onus is on them as the home team.

Fulham have a pretty good away record this season, which makes sense as they can easily bare their counter-attacking teeth on the road. Equally, Everton’s home record is relegation-level, as stated. It could make sense to back a draw here. However, three of Everton’s five home victories have come since Dyche took over, and they have conceded only three goals in these games. Hence, there has been some progress in terms of organisation, as you’d expect from a Dyche team.

With Everton likely having more attacking opportunities and Fulham’s recent run of form, a narrow home win could transpire between these two struggling sides.

Everton 1-0 Fulham

Everton vs Fulham Betting Tip – Everton Odds: