A midweek game under the Goodison lights saw a much needed win against Doncaster in the cup. Now for the second time in a week Everton will look to score goals at Goodison Park, this time seeking 3 crucial points in the Premier League. AFC Bournemouth are this weekend’s visitors, a team stabilised in the league under the creative Andoni Iraola. Iraola and his side arrive on Merseyside tomorrow with 2 points in their first 2 league games. 1-1 draws against Nott’m Forest on the opening day and at home to Newcastle last weekend. The Cherries suffered a late cup exit in midweek against fellow Premier League side West Ham. Everton will be looking to bounce back but the records show us that might be easier said than done…
If You Know Your History… Everton v Bournemouth Through the Years
Everton lost last time out against this weekend’s visitors. A late own goal on the south coast from Seamus Coleman saw Everton fall 2-1 to their then relegation rivals. Meanwhile at Goodison Park, Everton won 3-0 last season and 1-0 on the final game of the previous season. The dramatic goal from Adoulaye Doucoure keeping the Toffees in the top flight.
Overall Everton have won 10 of their 19 meetings against Saturday’s opposition. With AFC Bournemouth winning 7 and 2 of the previous ties ending in the points being shared.
Team News
Everton manager Sean Dyche confirmed that his side will still be without Jarred Branthwaite, Nathan Patterson and Youssef Chermitti, who remain the club’s 3 senior squad members with longer term injuries. Everton will continue to monitor the fitness of Seamus Coleman, James Tarkowski and James Garner who may play a part in the game this weekend.
Bournemouth have no new injuries following their midweek game against West Ham. Max Aarons is likely to return from illness.
What the Managers Say
Dyche on Everton’s difficult start to the season – “We’ve been working very hard to try and change the narrative. If we don’t win games that adds to it. There was a good sign the other night [against Doncaster in the cup] and now we’ve got to do it in the Premier League.
Iraola on Everton – “For me it is a very difficult game [at Goodison last season]. They push you a lot there. It was one of the worst games we played last season. I hope we can learn from that experience. They have good threats.
Everton Key Player
Illiman Ndiaye – A goal in the cup and our new number 10 is off the mark. Everton have long been without a player who can comfortably play behind the striker and Illiman has been doing just that in his short time on Merseyside. Provided he starts, I can see him playing more than his part as Everton search for their first win of the season. Confident on the ball and now off the mark for his new club, let’s hope it is the first of many goals in Royal Blue this season.
One to Watch for Bournemouth:
Kepa Arrizabalaga– The 29-year old arrived on loan from Chelsea earlier this week and will surely play a big part for The Cherries this season. The Spanish international spent last season on loan at Real Madrid playing under former Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti. Kepa has a Champions League medal to his name and is a big signing for Bournemouth. A debut this weekend could further contribute to Everton’s inability to find the back of the net.
Final Thoughts
Through to the next round of the cup, but more importantly signs that we can score goals. Midweek was important for both players and supporters. With recent history on our side, I am expecting a better league performance in GW3. We will likely spend the coming days distracted with transfer rumours, as the search for a RB and resolution over Dominic Calvert Lewin continues. It would be nice to end this month of lows on a high…
Prediction
2-0. Bold prediction time. I am hoping this does not come back to bite me… I really think the players will have taken some confidence from the midweek cup win. At times the squad played with more freedom and creativity, something that was lacking in the opening two league fixtures. I expect Dyche to keep the likes of Lindstrom and Ndiaye in the attack. It remains to be seen if DCL or Beto will lead the line. Either way, I expect us to get our season up and running this weekend.
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