Paul Merson predicts winner in ‘tight call’ verdict for Everton v Fulham clash
Paul Merson has predicted Everton will lose against Fulham at Goodison Park on Saturday (26 October) in what he expects to be a “tight” Premier League contest.
The Sky Sports pundit felt the Blues were “spectacular” in the 2-0 win against Ipswich Town last weekend but believes Fulham will provide too big a challenge for Sean Dyche’s side.
Merson has been impressed with Fulham this season and expects the Cottagers to claim the three points at Goodison Park in a 2-1 win, as part of his Sportskeeda Premier League predictions [24 October].
He said: “Everton were spectacular against Ipswich Town. They never looked like they were in the slightest of troubles. But this is a bigger test, no doubt.
“Fulham have impressed me so far this season. However, they have now lost two games on the trot. You lose three games on the bounce in this league and things around you change quickly.
“If I’m being honest, it’s a really tight game to call. But I just think Fulham will get the three points. They missed a lot of chances in the defeat against Manchester City and there wasn’t a lot between them and [Aston] Villa either. Fulham play nice football and I expect them to get the win.”
Everton can use momentum to beat Fulham
Goodison News confirmed the rumours linking Jose Mourinho and David Moyes to the Everton helm were false and now Dyche could be in a position to save his job on Merseyside.
As reported by TEAMtalk, the 53-year-old could be rewarded with a new long-term contract at Goodison Park should he impress prospective owner Dan Friedkin once his takeover of the club is finalised.
The 2-0 win against Ipswich Town marked a four-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, with the Toffees now five points clear of Crystal Palace in 18th place after the 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on Monday [21 October].
Palace are one of four sides, including Ipswich, Southampton and Wolves, yet to register a win in the Premier League after eight matches. In contrast, the Blues have been ticking along well in the league of late.
Fulham have been a mixed bag in the league thus far and they will be no pushovers at Goodison Park on the weekend, but the momentum is certainly in the home side’s favour heading into the clash.
Everton are in a much better place since the 3-2 loss against Aston Villa and are on the brink of a resurgence in the English top flight. A victory against Fulham this weekend could be just what the club needs to kick on in the Premier League.
In other Everton news, the Blues are set to abandon the ‘basic transfer strategy’ amid Kevin Zenon developments.
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