Sean Dyche faces Burnley this week, where he will look to dump his old side out of the EFL Cup. The most recent meeting between the two clubs saw the Toffees suffer a 3-2 defeat at Turf Moor in 2022.
Everton
Everton have played some wonderful football at times this season and Dyche has them extremely well drilled. Their only issue has been their inability to convert their chances, but since the return of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the results have started to be much more positive. The Toffees have won three of their last five in the Premier League, which has climbed them up the table into 15th place. Seven of Everton’s 10 goals have come in those five matches and they only concede an average of 1.4 per game.
The Toffees pulled off an impressive result in Round 3 of the EFL Cup, as they knocked out one of the most in form teams in England, Aston Villa. The tie saw Dyche follow a low block approach, where he demanded his side hurt Villa on the counter. Everton were efficient in possession and won 2-1.
Burnley
Since returning to the Premier League following a dominant Championship campaign, Burnley have been overwhelmed by the sheer difference in quality. The Clarets sit one spot from bottom, losing 80% of their matches and picking up just four points. Vincent Kompany’s team have scored less than one goal per game and conceded the second most in the league (25). The only positive that they can take going into the game versus Everton, is that all of their points have come on their travels.
Last time out in the EFL Cup, Burnley visited Salford City, where they walked away with an extremely comfortable 4-0 victory. The visitors were 3-0 up by the half hour mark and the hosts showed very little attacking intent.
Verdict?
Burnley’s main focus for the season will be to avoid relegation, therefore Kompany may have to sacrifice this competition if he is to achieve that goal. This should play into the hands of Dyche and his Everton side.
The final prediction is Everton 1-0 Burnley.
