Tottenham Hotspur travel to Goodison Park on Sunday to face Roberto Martinez’ Everton in the Premier League. It should be a fascinating contest between two sides – one with a solid home record against one with a good away record with both teams separated by just one point.
Everton are undefeated at home. They have won three and drew one (the 0-0 draw with West Brom in Roberto Martinez’s first home league match as manager). Goodison Park was never an easy fixture for Spurs over the years, but under Martinez it is proving to be one of the toughest places to visit.
A sea-change has occurred in the style and brand of football adopting by the club under the Spaniard. And it is indeed a pleasure to watch for the neutrals.
Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas was frustrated with the subdued atmosphere at White Hart Lane but the Portuguese has time and again praised the away fans this season. And he needs it badly at Goodison.
The North Londoners have their own problems as well. They have added sufficient depth in the squad in the summer adding several quality players. But, there is an acute lack of goals in the squad. Roberto Soldado has been scoring only through penalties at the moment mainly while his attacking midfielders are not contributing enough with goals.
In nine league matches, they have managed only 5 league goals at home this season and 4 away from home. But, the good thing is, they have conceded just 1 goal away from home, so expect them to remain solid at the back against the Merseyside outfit.
Team News
Everton will miss Aarouna Kone for this tie as his knee injury is more serious than first feared. Midfielder John Heitinga is fit again while Antolin Alcaraz and Darron Gibson are unavailable for the Toffees.
Villas-Boas will recall host of first team starters who out the midweek League Cup win over Hull. Left-back Danny Rose remains sidelined with a foot injury.
Prediction: 1-1; It will be a fascinating tie and a draw would be a fair result. Everton are 7/5 to win against Spurs with Ladbrokes on Sunday.
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