Wolves to reignite CL challenge Vs Toffees?
Two sides winless in their last two meet at Molineux in this Sunday’s lunchtime kickoff. Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves welcome the visit of Carlo Ancelotti’s Toffees, aiming to reignite their push for the top four. Having stuttered in recent weeks, Wolverhampton Wanderers are still favourites having failed to score more than one goal in their last four matches. Everton who have showed promise since Ancelotti’s mid-season arrival having only scored more than one goal on one occasion since the resumption of play. Making the goals market look very appealing, with two strong attacking units taking on fragile backlines.
Ancelotti’s impact
Following unsuccessful spells at Napoli and Bayern Munich the Italian returned to the Premier League with a point to prove. He has kept it simple in his replacement of Marco Silva, moving to a 4-4-2 formation and focused on producing quality crosses into the box for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison to feed off, two attackers very gifted in the air. The former of whom has been the subject of many a discussion about Gareth Southgate’s next England squad. After that pair, with 13 and 12 goals respectively, it falls to the three-goal tally of Bernard for third place. Lucas Digne has continued to impress in an inconsistent, producing seven assists from left back. There are reasons for optimism in the Ancelotti era.
Everton were victorious in the reverse fixture at Goodison Park however sit five places behind Sunday’s opponents, who have punched above their weight once again, occupying sixth in the division in only their second campaign since promotion.
Key man
Hardworking forward Diogo Jota has drawn a blank in his seven matches so watch out for a reaction in this one. The Portugal international has 15 goals and six assists in all competitions, suggesting a return to goalscoring form is only a matter of time. Often clinical with either foot, Jota low centre of gravity dribbling ability will prove difficult for the Everton backline. Usually deployed off the left flank the 23-year-old will a lot to handle for Seamus Coleman or Djibril Sidibe at right back.
This match certainly has to potential to entertain for the neutral, with free scoring games more common towards the end of a campaign get on the overs marker for this one. After all, the reverse fixture was a 3-2 victory for the Toffees.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Wolves were head and shoulders the better side, another lacklustre display from Everton, 3-0 it finished.