Game used for reference: Burnley 1-1 AFC Bournemouth, 2025/2026 Premier League Round 17
After several touch matches against top-tier sides, the Toffees will travel to Burnley with the hopes of getting back on track.
Although Burnley have only managed to get 11 points in the Premier League up to this point, they still have some quality players who can do a bit of damage. Zian Flemming is their main man up front, and he provides a physical presence that teams have to respect.
Zian Flemming’s statistics for the last 365 days vs forwards (FBref.com) |
|---|
0.41 Non-Penalty Goals per 90 (63rd percentile) |
3.93 Aerials Wons per 90 (88th percentile) |
0.81 Tackles per 90 (73rd percentile) |
While the average soccer fan wouldn’t be all that impressed by his five goals so far this season, Evertonians know that goals are hard to come by due to their own striker struggles. Other key players for Burnley include Jaidon Anthony and captain Josh Cullen.
If Everton want to gain another win away from home, they’ll need something out of their offense, which will be harder than usual due to Iliman Ndiaye’s absence due to AFCON and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall being out with an injury.
Tyler Dibling is a player that fans want to see play against Burnley, but Dwight McNeil will probably get the start out on the right. Charly Alcaraz will probably play as the attacking midfielder, and if Merlin Rohl is fit enough, he’s the frontrunner to fill in for Idrissa Gana Gueye in Everton’s double pivot.
Burnley rank have conceded the most xG out of any team in the Premier League (38.4), so if there’s a game for Everton’s offensive weapons to rebound, it’s this one. Burnley are also 20th in average possession per game, so expect Everton to control possession and the tempo of the match. Everton will also need to watch out for Burnley’s counter-attacks. One small slip could see the home side take advantage and flip the game on its head.
While Everton are entering this game as strong favorites, playing away from home in the Premier League is always a difficult task. But if the Toffees want to make a return to European competition, these are the games they have to win.