Match preview versus Bournemouth
By Paul Taylor
All the latest information, stats and odds, as Everton prepare for their trip to Dorset, to face A.F.C. Bournemouth.
Everton remain unbeaten under Sam Allardyce. However, the combined impact of injuries, illness and the Christmas fixture list are beginning to take their toll.
This was best highlighted in the performance against West Bromwich Albion. While the away point was valuable, that was a truly awful West Brom side Everton failed to step up against.
At least some help is on the way, most noticeably in the form of Wayne Rooney. England’s all-time leading goal scorer has been passed fit, after missing the last two games with flu.
Rooney will be aiming to continue the run which saw him involved in eight goals in his last five league games, prior to his illness. Further, if he scores on Saturday, it will mark four straight matches with a goal, for the first time since March in 2012.
Talking of goals, Allardyce is well aware Everton need to find a striker when the transfer window reopens next month. The Blues manager referenced Sandro Ramirez’s struggles to adapt to the Premier League, along with Oumar Niasse’s inability to claim a regular place.
The former England manager was full of praise for Dominic Calert-Lewin, but is objective enough to remain realistic. As reported by BBC Sport, Allardyce said:
"“Young Calvert-Lewin is battling away. I think he’s got a bright future, but I don’t think we can rely on him week in and week out at the moment.”"
Idrissa Gueye will miss out against Bournemouth, after suffering an injury against West Brom. However, Yannick Bolasie survived his first game back, while James McCarthy (finally) returns to the first team squad.
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Everton will be helped by facing a Bournemouth side struggling with injuries of their own. Their most high-profile absence is Jermain Defoe, who is out for between eight and 10 weeks with a fractured ankle.
In all honestly, even with Defoe in the side, Bournemouth have struggled to score goals this season. Regardless, Everton should feel confident of extending a run which has seen them concede just two goals in their last eight games in all competitions.
Interestingly, despite taking everything into account, Bournemouth are slight favourites to win on Saturday. You can click here to find all the latest odds, courtesy of Sports Book Review.
When the two sides met at Dean Court last season, it marked the home side’s first ever win against Everton. At the very least, the Blues should get a draw on Saturday, with us going as far as to predict a tense 2-1 victory for the visitors.
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What are you anticipating from the trip to Bournemouth? What’s your prediction for the final outcome, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.