Everton and Burnley clash this Wednesday night at the Turf Moor stadium. The match features two teams fighting for survival and this game can determine what the rest of the Premier League will look like for both teams.
The home club face another difficult year in the first division, as they currently occupy the 19th position in the Premier League standings and tend to be relegated by the end of this season. Their last five games do not give any good expectations to the Clarets, as they come to this match followed by four losses in a row without scoring a single goal.
On the other side of the field, the home team face one of the most traditional teams in the Premier League which desires to finish in a European spot every year. However, just like their opponents this Wednesday, Everton faces one of the most difficult seasons in recent years and they also fight against the relegation ghost.
The squad led by Frank Lampard occupy the 17th position in the Topflight and they are just three points above the relegation zone, Watford. Their poor 1-4 record in their last five games makes Wednesday’s match one of the most, if not the most, important game for the club this season.
In their last game, Everton came close to getting a good result against West Ham United, but an individual mistake made by Iwobi gave away a goal which resulted in West Ham picking up all three points. The result was not only another negative trademark for the club, but also for Lampard, as the Englishman faced his seventh defeat as the coach for Everton.
Burnley Possible Lineup
The home team have important absences such as their captain Ben Mee, who is likely to lose the match because of a calf injury, and Nathan Collins suspended. Additionally, Johann Gudmundsson, Matej Vydra and Erik Pieters will not be available for the match due to injury.
Possible starting lineup: Pope; Roberts, Long, Tarkowski, Taylor; Lennon, Westwood, Cork, Brownhill, Cornet; Weghorst
Everton Possible Lineup
The Toffees have an extensive list of players who will not be able to help their team in this match and this makes the task of beating Burnley at their home ground even more difficult.
Even though the club from Liverpool will not have some of their best players in the squad available for Wednesday’s game, Seamus Coleman is likely to return to the team and his addition is extremely important due to his experience.
In addition, Jarrad Branthwaite is likely to start the match as one of the center-backs with Ben Godfrey.
Possible starting lineup: Pickford; Kenny, Godfrey, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gordon, Holgate, Doucoure, Gray; Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin.
Richarlison is the key to the success for Everton
It is undeniable that Richarlison has been the most important player in the squad alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin. However, due to the lack of effectiveness of the Englishman in the last games, the Brazilian striker is the key to the success in this match.
The Toffees must focus on plays that have the Brazilian as their main target to finish. In the match against West Ham, Richarlison was the most dangerous player, as he created chances to score and he also provided the assist to Mason Holgate’s goal. So, this Wednesday, Richarlison will be the key to giving the victory to Everton.
Everton need to be careful with Maxwell Cornet
Maxwel Cornet is set to be in the starting lineup for the home team and Everton must be careful with him. The Ivorian had a successful run in Lyon before he moved to Burnley this summer to start his Premier League journey.
Despite the poor season from his team, Cornet has been one of the main players for the Clarets and he has scored six goals in 18 games, so far. The attacker is set to be back on the left flank and he can cause trouble to the defence due to his speed and variety of skills. If the Toffees do not pay attention, Cornet is likely to be on the scoreboard by the end of the game.
Can Everton secure an away win at Turf Moor?