Everton meet Bournemouth at Goodison Park, as both teams continue to chase a first Premier League win of the season.
Victory would lift Everton out of the relegation zone, whilst Bournemouth look to continue their unbeaten start.
Team News
James Tarkowski is a doubt for Everton after struggling with a knock, which saw him miss the Carabao Cup victory over Doncaster Rovers.
Nathan Patterson (hamstring), Jarrad Branthwaite (groin) and Youssef Chermiti (foot) are still ruled out.
Bournemouth could welcome Philip Billing back into contention after he missed their last two games with a back injury.
Tyler Adams (back), David Brooks (shoulder) and Enes Unal (foot) remain ruled out.
When is Kick-Off?
Everton host Bournemouth at 3pm BST on Saturday 31 August at Goodison Park, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Everton have won just two of their last six league meetings against Bournemouth (W2, L4).
- Bournemouth have won just one of seven previous visits to Everton (W1, L6).
- Abdoulaye Doucoure has scored in each of Everton’s last two home games against Bournemouth (W2).
- Everton have conceded seven goals in their opening two league games (L2).
- Bournemouth have picked up the first booking in each of their two league matches this season.
Prediction
After their defensive horror show at Tottenham, Everton did well to clinically beat Doncaster but they can’t be fooled by that difference in quality, as they now face a solid Bournemouth team who look difficult to beat so far in the league.
Andoni Iraola’s Cherries though will be fired up by that VAR controversy in their 1-1 draw against Newcastle, then narrow Carabao Cup loss at West Ham, so I do expect them to come out fighting.
Goodison Park however isn’t kind to Bournemouth so this could be another game of suffering, but if they can stay composed and open up Everton’s vulnerable defence then they might nick a result.
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Bournemouth
Result: Everton 2-3 Bournemouth