Chris Sutton predicts result of Everton Premier League clash v Fulham
Chris Sutton has made his prediction for the opening Premier League game of the season between Everton and Fulham this weekend.
The Toffees will host the Cottagers at Goodison Park on Saturday (12 August), having avoided relegation on the final day of the season last time out.
And Sutton believes the game is hard to call and told BBC Sport (11 August) that the Blues’ season greatly depends on the fitness of Dominic Calvert-Lewin while predicting a 1-1 draw between the sides.
“This is very hard to call,” he said.
“Everton’s season really depends on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and his injury record isn’t great.
“In the past couple of seasons, he’s never really got into his rhythm up front but they are not free scoring and he has got to carry them in that department.
“Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic threw his toys out of the pram when he wasn’t allowed to move to Saudi Arabia earlier in the summer but his future is still uncertain.
“Will we see a motivated Mitrovic at Goodison Park, or will we not see him at all? 1-1.”
Same old
Once again our season seemingly relies on Calvert-Lewin being fit and available, despite avoiding the drop without him for the best part of two years.
His fitness issues haven’t got any better and the club are surely aware that changes need to happen up front, but with our financial situation it’s very difficult to make happen.
Neal Maupay is still at the club and has Premier League experience, while Demarai Gray hasn’t left yet despite speculation around his future and the club have brought in Arnaut Danjuma and Youssef Chermiti.
Dyche knows how to play to get the maximum out of his players and that usually breeds a good morale and results follow.
If he can do the same thing again this season then the squad, with a few more additions before the window closes, should be fine. Our fans will carry us at home, and a positive result is on the cards against Fulham.
In other Everton news, one star could be on the move amid £100m+ developments elsewhere.