Chris Sutton predicts result of Everton crunch clash v Tottenham in Premier League
Chris Sutton has admitted that Everton can claim a major scalp in their fight against Premier League relegation when they host a Tottenham side without Antonio Conte on Monday (3 April).
Making his predictions for BBC Sport, Sutton admitted that the clash was almost “impossible to call” but that Sean Dyche would have enjoyed what he saw from Southampton’s 3-3 draw against Spurs, in which the London club surrendered a two-goal lead with just 15 minutes left to play.
Considering the Toffees’ recent strong home form and the plight in which Spurs find themselves, Sutton admitted that Everton could nick a 2-1 win against the Champions League-chasing club.
“I ended up changing my mind three times about which way this one would go. It really is impossible to call,” he wrote.
“This is huge for Spurs in terms of making the top four but Everton need the victory even more because they have one of the toughest run-ins of any of the teams down at the bottom.
“They have picked up a couple of away draws under Sean Dyche and are playing with more purpose now but they have still not won on the road since 1 October so their form at Goodison is going to be vital. It has to happen here, basically.
“We saw that desperation from them when they beat Brentford in their last home game and the intensity they showed to win that game might just get them over the line here too.
“Southampton absolutely dominated Spurs in Conte’s last game in charge. I suspect Dyche has seen that and is thinking that Everton can really get at them as well.”
Great opportunity
If ever Dyche would have wished to face Spurs, it would have been this weekend.
The North London club are in huge disarray following the departure of Antonio Conte and the farce surrounding their managing director Fabio Paratici.
And considering that Everton’s opponents fell apart to bottom-placed Southampton last time out, it makes the prospect awaiting Dyche that bit tastier.
The Englishman will be readying his troops for a fast start at Goodison Park this weekend, and he will know that if he gets the crowd on side early doors, his team can catch Tottenham off guard.
Stopping the service into Harry Kane will be crucial to any chances the Toffees hold, with Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye expected to play significant roles in the heart of midfield.
In a battle of the toxically-runned clubs, Everton have a terrific opportunity to claim all three points and drag themselves that bit closer to Premier League safety.