Everton vs. Bournemouth: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

It's hard to see Everton winning a game at the minute with how poorly they're playing. The Toffees have lost all of their last three Premier League games in a row, conceding seven goals in their first two games.

Bournemouth have won four of the last six head-to-head meetings between these two teams, three of which have seen both teams score.

Based on recent performances, it's tough to see the Cherries losing this one unless Everton make some monumental, but currently unforeseen, improvements. Everton 1-2 Bournemouth.

This weekend, Everton will host Bournemouth in a crucial Premier League encounter at Goodison Park. The match represents an early-season litmus test for two sides in very different situations.

• Date: 31/08/2024
• Kick-off time: 15:00
• Location: Goodison Park, Liverpool

Everton currently find themselves languishing at the very bottom of the Premier League table, having failed to secure a single point from their first two matches. This disappointing start has cast a shadow over what many hoped would be a season of progress under manager Sean Dyche. After navigating through a challenging campaign last year, where they avoided relegation despite a heavy points deduction, there was cautious optimism that Everton might build on those experiences. However, the opening matches have done little to inspire confidence.

Alongside a shakey defence, one of the most glaring issues for Everton has been their lack of creativity and dynamism in attack. The team has been criticised for its stale and repetitive attacking patterns, which have often left them looking bereft of ideas in the final third. The loss of key midfielder Amadou Onana during the summer has undoubtedly exacerbated these problems. Onana's departure has left a significant void in the midfield, where his energy and ability to aid transitions from defence to attack were crucial.

Defensively, Everton have also been weakened by the absence of both Onana and centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, who is currently sidelined with an injury. His absence has further stretched a squad that already looked short on quality. The defensive frailties, combined with a lack of creativity going forward, have raised concerns among the Everton faithful that the club could be facing yet another relegation battle. Such a scenario would be particularly unpalatable this season, as it marks the club's final campaign at the historic Goodison Park before they move to a new stadium.

The discontent among Everton fans is palpable, with many calling for the club to make further moves in the transfer market before the window closes. There is a growing belief that without significant reinforcements, the squad will continue to struggle against the demands of Premier League football. Sean Dyche, known for his pragmatic approach, will be under immense pressure to turn things around quickly. The match against Bournemouth, therefore, takes on added significance as it could be pivotal in shaping the narrative of Everton's season.

In contrast, Bournemouth arrive at Goodison Park in a relatively positive frame of mind, sitting 14th in the table with two points from their first two matches. While they might feel slightly aggrieved not to have secured more points—particularly after what they perceive as a poor refereeing performance in their last outing—the Cherries can take heart from their solid start to the campaign. Under the guidance of new manager Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth have shown signs of being a well-organised and competitive side, capable of causing problems for their opponents.

The summer was not without its challenges for Bournemouth, as they lost star striker Dominic Solanke. Despite this, the club has made some astute signings, bolstering their squad with quality additions that have the potential to make a significant impact. Iraola's task will be to integrate these new players quickly and build a cohesive unit that can push for a top-half finish—a realistic goal if early performances are anything to go by.

Bournemouth's early-season form suggests they are more than capable of holding their own in the Premier League this year. The team has played with a confidence and cohesion that bodes well for the months ahead. However, they will be aware that Everton, despite their poor start, remain a dangerous opponent, especially with the added pressure of playing at home.

This game will not be televised live in the UK, but full radio coverage will be provided by BBC Radio Merseyside.

Everton Team News:

James Garner and Séamus Coleman could return for the Toffees this weekend after both have not yet featured in the league this season.

Jarrad Branthwaite and Youssef Chermiti, however, are still working their way back to full fitness.

Predicted lineup: Pickford; Coleman, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko; Garner, Iroegbunam, Gueye, McNeil; Doucouré; Calvert-Lewin.

Bournemouth Team News:

The Cherries will remain without Tyler Adams for the foreseeable future, but David Brooks and Enes Ünal are both closing in on a return to full fitness.

Andoni Iraola seems unlikely to make many changes to the side that started the draw with Newcastle at the weekend.

Predicted lineup: Neto; Araujo, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson.

Everton’s season began with a crushing 0-3 defeat at home to Brighton & Hove Albion. Despite a bright start, the Toffees crumbled after Kaoru Mitoma opened the scoring for the visitors in the first half, with Danny Welbeck doubling the lead early in the second before Simon Adringra completed the rout late on after Ashley Young was shown a red card for the hosts at 0-2.

Everton then travelled to North London in an attempt to make amends for that sorry defeat as they locked horns with Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend. Things didn’t quite go to plan for the Toffees, though, as they were handed an even more brutal beating, this time by four goals to nil in what was a very uncompetitive affair.

Bournemouth’s first game came away at Nottingham Forest where Andoni Iraola’s men secured a point in a 1-1 draw. The Cherries fell behind to a Chris Wood strike in a first half where Bournemouth were far from their best, but a much improved second half performance led to the South Coast side taking a deserved point through a late Antoine Semenyo equaliser.

Bournemouth then hosted Newcastle United at the Vitality Stadium at the weekend, a game that produced a second straight 1-1 draw for the Cherries. A very even game saw Bournemouth go ahead through Marcus Tavernier in the first half before Anthony Gordon netted an equaliser in the second.

The game looked like it was heading for a draw only for Bournemouth to be denied a stoppage-time winner after Dango Ouattara converted a corner into the net with what was adjudged to be his arm following a VAR review.

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