Everton FC vs AFC Bournemouth
Date: 23/09/17
K.O: 15.00pm
Everton and Bournemouth meet at Goodison Park this Saturday as they both look to rectify dismal starts to their respective Premier League campaigns.
Each side has a point to prove as the Toffees sit 18th just one point and position above the Cherries – this is a game that has the potential to be a decisive affair in both teams seasons.
Bournemouth was on the receiving end of a 6-3 thumping at Goodison last season and will be looking to avoid a repeat result. However, Lukaku scored four times in that game – with the Belgian leaving for Manchester United, a goal scoring threat is something that Everton no longer seem to possess.
Koeman’s side have come under immense criticisms during their run of difficult fixtures. Their 3-0 win over Sunderland in the EFL Cup on Wednesday ended a run of 443 minutes without a goal. Two of those goals coming from the England U20 forward Calvert-Lewin may see him play ahead of an out of form Sandro Ramirez. A goal from Omar Niasse may mean we see his first Premier League involvement for the Blues in over 16 months.
The next three fixtures for Everton are games that Koeman will see as must win if they are to get back on track and finish in the top six this season. Everton fans will feel that they have a chance against a team that sits below them in the league.
Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth will be looking to gain momentum after picking up their first points of the season beating their South coast rivals Brighton 2-1. Bournemouth has now won two games in a row again beating Brighton, this time in the EFL cup 1-0. Bournemouth will look to put further doubts into the minds of Everton fans.
They will look to outscore an Everton side that have only found the back of the net twice so far and have only put 10 shots on target. The Cherries will be without defender Tyrone Mings who has a back injury.
Both teams have conceded 19 goals between them after 5 games. We will either see an open game filled with goals, or an attempt by both sides to improve their defensive record which could lead to a cagey affair.
Written by Dominic Holt.
