Everton v Tottenham predicted by Paul Merson with ‘lorry load of goals’ expected
Paul Merson has made his prediction ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and Tottenham at Goodison Park this weekend.
The Toffees earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Fulham in midweek but dropped into the relegation zone as a result, while Spurs came from behind to beat Brentford 3-2 at home to stay in the top four.
But speaking to Sportskeeda (2 February) to make his weekly predictions, Sky Sports pundit Merson admitted he is expecting a “lorry load of goals” and backed Sean Dyche’s side to earn a tough point in a 2-2 draw.
“Everton are suddenly in the relegation zone, so this is a crucial game for them,” he wrote.
“Tottenham had a great 10-15 minute spell to turn the game on its head against Brentford, but the way they play, they tend to leave a lot of open space at the back.
“This is a really interesting game of football and judging by the way Tottenham play, I think we’re going to see a few goals. James Maddison’s return has been a big boost for them – it’s as good as a January signing for Ange Postecoglou.
“You can see the way he lifts the fans and everyone around him – he was fantastic against Brentford after the manager put him in the hole behind Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison in the second half.
“I can see a lorry load of goals here, so I’m going for a 2-2 draw.”
Crucial
As Sean Dyche says on a regular basis, every game is crucial for Everton at the moment but their home form is absolutely vital in their battle against relegation now.
The ten-point deduction has really hurt the team this season, as they should be up in mid-table a few points off Chelsea but instead they’re in the bottom three through no fault of their own.
But Everton can’t prevent the hand they’ve been dealt as it stands and they have to work towards survival once again, meaning the fans at home have to get right behind the team once again and push them over the line.
Tottenham play on the front foot and are a real threat going forward, but they play an incredibly high line and leave opportunities for their opponents to hurt them if they play the right way, so the team should get chances.
If they can take those chances, something they’ve struggled with in recent weeks, and keep strong in defence then there is a great chance of getting a point or three that people aren’t expecting them to earn.
In other Everton news, Euro club want to sign Toffees star in post-deadline deal.
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