Premier League preview and odds: Everton vs Stoke City

Premier League preview and odds: Everton vs Stoke City

August 27 , 2016 15:00pm - Goodison Park

Premier League

Two of last season`s mid-table finishers will go head-to-head this weekend when unbeaten Everton welcome winless Stoke City to Goodison Park.

Bright start on Merseyside for Ronald Koeman

It`s so far so good for Ronald Koeman who has started his career as Everton boss with four points from a possible six. After holding last term`s third-placed side Tottenham Hotspur to a draw on the opening day, the Toffees followed that up with an impressive 2-1 win away to West Bromwich Albion in which they came from a goal behind to claim all three points.

While there may not have been many new additions to the Everton squad so far this summer, there has been a significant change in style under the new boss, with three central defenders being deployed and Gerard Deulofeu occupying a more central position up front. This switch to a 3-4-3 set up seems to be working so far, and with Romelu Lukaku set to stay at the club for another season, there is cause for optimism on Merseyside.

Meanwhile, opponents Stoke City are still looking for their first win of the campaign after drawing 1-1 to new boys Middlesbrough on the opening day, and then falling 1-4 at home to title favourites Manchester City last week. The last time they paid a visit to Goodison Park, they ran out 4-3 winners thanks to a last minute penalty from Marko Arnautović.

Team news

Everton have a few injury issues with Seamus Coleman, Muhamed Besic, Matthew Pennington and Tyias Browning all out of action.

Meanwhile, Stephen Ireland and Ibrahim Afellay are the only absentees for the visitors.

Recent form (League)

Everton: WDLDD

Stoke City: LDLWD

Betting odds and tips

A repeat of last year`s seven-goal thriller may be a bit too much to ask but this should be a competitive game between two evenly-matched sides. Everton look to be finding their feet much quicker this season and should have Romelu Lukaku back leading the line. However, the price for a home win looks a bit short.

Instead, back both teams to find the net in this game. Nine of Stoke’s last 11 Premier League matches have paid out in this category.

You can back Both Teams to Score at 10/11 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Go To bet365

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24/08/2016     © Frixo 2024