We give you all the latest information, stats and odds, as Everton prepare to host a struggling Swansea City side on Monday night football.
What a difference a month makes. Before Sam Allardyce was appointment manager of Everton, even a visit from Swansea City would have been cause for concern among Evertonians.
Now though, on the back of four wins and a draw, the Blues will enter Monday night’s game as clear favourites, as noted by Sports Book Review. And whatever we may think of bookies in general, they get it right more often than not.
It helps that Everton will host a Swansea side which is bottom of the Premier League. The Swans have been in wretched form on their travels, as evidenced by five consecutive away defeats.
Having said all that, don’t expect the Blues to take their opponent for granted, especially with Allardyce at the controls. Consider that Swansea are unbeaten on their last three trips to Goodison Park, winning once and drawing twice.
Also helping fight any complacency, Allardyce knows Everton need to get results against the likes of Swansea City, especially with games against Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham looming. As reported by BBC Sport, the Blues manager said:
"“We have to be more expansive – not lose that defensive solidarity – but be more creative and more accomplished because in the games down the line, we’ll have to break down teams or we’ll have to play the big boys and try and get results.”"
There is the possibility Everton will be given a boost by the return of Yannick Bolasie. However, even if he isn’t in the squad for Monday’s game, he should feature at some point over the festive period.
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In the process, Bolasie would make good on his vow to return to action for the first team before the end of the year. He should also provide the Blues with some pace – an area in which they’ve sorely been lacking.
You imagine Gylfi Sigurdsson will be supremely motivated for the return of his previous team. And the timing couldn’t be worse for Swansea, with their former superstar finally finding his form under Allardyce.
Overall, we’re not suggesting Monday night will be a cakewalk for Everton. However, the reality is it will be a surprise if they don’t capture all three points against their visitors from South Wales.
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What are you anticipating from the game against Swansea? What’s your prediction for the final outcome, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.