Chris Sutton predicts Everton v Tottenham Premier League result for BBC Sport
Chris Sutton has predicted Everton can upset the form boom and claim a draw when they host Tottenham in the Premier League in the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday (3 February).
The Toffees are back in the drop zone following a goalless draw with Fulham in midweek and are aiming to end a run of five games without a Premier League victory when Ange Postecoglou’s men visit Goodison Park.
Everton’s past three Premier League matches have seen the Toffees fail to find the back of the net but Sutton, sharing his predictions for BBC Sport (2 February), thinks a goal fest could be on the cards in a “tricky” test for the Toffees.
He said: “This is a tricky time for Everton, who have not won any of their past five league games and go to Manchester City next weekend. They are back in the relegation zone and the goals have dried up as well – they have only scored twice in their past six games in all competitions.
“It is worth remembering, though, that they were unlucky not to get anything from the reverse of this fixture just before Christmas when Tottenham only just held on to win.
“Spurs are still missing Son Heung-min but they found a way to beat Brentford in midweek and I don’t think they will struggle to score here, either.
“Despite that, I just have a feeling that Everton won’t lose, even if I don’t quite see them getting the win they need so badly.
“Dyche’s side got their best result of last season when they went to Brighton and won 5-1, and Tottenham’s expansive style might give them more joy on the counter-attack here, even if I do think Spurs will create plenty of chances too.
“Prediction: 2-2.”
Massive test
Everton have won just one of their last nine matches – a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace in their FA Cup third-round replay two weeks ago.
Exiting that competition to Luton at the weekend was a big disappointment with fans anticipating an exciting cup run given the difficulties faced in recent months, now the focus is solely on avoiding Premier League relegation.
The 0-0 draw against Fulham in West London was actually a decent result considering the recent slide in results and notable absences for the Toffees but that has to be followed up with a win on Saturday now.
Dyche could well have more for the clash against Spurs, with some key players facing late fitness tests but while this is a massive test for Everton, it is a game where they desperately need all three points.
Luton Town’s result against Brighton in midweek certainly ramps up the pressure on Dyche’s men who now find themselves in the relegation zone a point off the Hatters.
The Toffees did incredibly well to climb clear of the relegation zone not so long ago, but they have taken just one point from the past 12 on offer.
Everton fans will be forgiven for wishing for what might have been had they not suffered their 10-point deduction but now face the threat of even more if they’re not careful.
Its three points are crucially needed against Tottenham, no matter how difficult the game may be.
In other Everton news, a “desperate” twist emerged in the club’s late pursuit of Jake O’Brien.
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