Chris Sutton predicts crunch Everton v Wolves Premier League match
Chris Sutton believes Everton will resume their Premier League campaign by picking up a crucial three points against Wolves on Boxing Day.
The Toffees will look to reverse their fortunes prior to the Qatar World Cup when welcoming Wolves to Goodison Park (26 December) in what already seems a season-defining match – even at this early stage.
Frank Lampard has been hard at work during the six-week hiatus, and their Sydney Super Cup victory was a hopeful sign that their league form could be set for improvement.
According to BBC pundit Sutton who was writing his predictions for BBC Sport, Everton will claim a nervy 1-0 victory against the relegation-threatened midlands side.
He said: “This is a massive game for both teams, but it actually feels bigger for Everton.
“Frank Lampard’s side have lost six of their past eight games in all competitions and could not have signed off on much more of low than being spanked twice in a row by Bournemouth, in the Carabao Cup and then the league.
“Wolves are in a relegation battle, but so are Everton and a win here is absolutely crucial for them with Manchester City up next, at Etihad Stadium on New Year’s Eve.
“Everton have to win, and I think they will win. I was at Goodison Park last season when their fans made a huge difference for them in games like this, and they will help them again here.”
Six pointer
This Boxing Day clash has taken up a huge significance, considering the positioning of the sides in the league table.
Julen Lopetegui’s side are currently bottom of the pile with a meagre 10 points, but a win could see them climb to within a point of the Toffees and kickstart their new manager’s regime at the club.
More than anything, a loss to a direct rival would prove a hammer blow to Everton’s confidence, so a win really is needed to ignite the second half of their campaign. The Goodison crowd are likely to be in loud voice following a month away from their beloved home, and the players will surely feed off this atmosphere in the must-win game.
With a tough trip to the Etihad awaiting on New Year’s Eve, three points have never been more important to Lampard’s side, and a win could see them move well clear of the drop zone.