- Koeman era begins at Everton
- Wanyama could make Tottenham debut
- Toffees winless in last seven (0-4-3) vs. Spurs
- Kane on verge of 50 PL goals (one away)
Everton hosts Tottenham from Goodison Park on Saturdayย (Watch live, 10ย a.m. ET on CNBCย and online via Live Extra) as the Ronald Koeman era begins.
The Toffees will have to cope with the recent loss of John Stones at the back, while the addition ofย Idrissa Gueye provides Everton with a viable midfield option.
[ WATCH LIVE: Stream every PL game via Live Extra ]
Everton could be shorthanded though, as Romelu Lukaku and Seamus Coleman are each in a fight to find full fitness. Phil Jagielka is expected to play after suffering a hamstring injury.
Tottenham only brought in two players over the summer, however, both Victor Wanyama and Vincent Janssen could both make major splashes for Spurs. Wanyama was an important piece in the Southampton attack as recently as last season, while Janssen netted 27 goals last season for Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.
What theyโre saying
Everton manager Ronald Koeman:ย โOf course, itโs always nice to start the season, but we are not at the level we need to be. Not in terms of playersโ physical states. Because I think we are, in terms of physical state, 70 per cent of what we need to be.โ
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino:ย โMaybe, yes, I am the first manager to start pre-season with a rollicking. But itโs important to take something from every experience. You always need to find the positives. When we came back from Australia, we talked a little bit [about Newcastle].ย Always, it is important to finish. They needed to hear from the manager about how I felt after the game, and after the season, because there was no time to share then, I explained my point of view and it was a very good meeting.โ
Prediction
In the easiest terms, without Romelu Lukaku, the Toffees lack a spark in the attacking third. Even with the Belgian striker, Tottenham boasts far superior talent, but his absence gives Mauricio Pochettino and co. a much easier road fixture. Everton 0-3 Tottenham
