Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
Both clubs played in the League Cup this week, but Bournemouth faced a much tougher opponent and played a day later. Everton did not experiment much with their lineup, also fielding a semi-strong team. Will the Merseyside club's enthusiasm and extra day of rest help them secure their first Premier League win?
Everton
Everton have struggled offensively in the Premier League so far: two matches and zero goals. It's not that they don't take shots (they average 9.5 shots per game, 16th in the league), but they have a league-worst average of just one shot on target per game. In the League Cup against Doncaster, they managed four shots on target and scored three goals, despite the lower level of the opponent. However, a much more significant issue lies in their defence. In the first two rounds, Everton conceded seven goals despite allowing only 3.86 xG. Only Wolverhampton have a worse difference, indicating a strong imbalance.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth made a significant addition to their goalkeeping line with Kepa Arrizabalaga joining them. There were rumours about Giorgi Mamardashvili, but that didn't materialise. Regardless, their 35-year-old primary goalkeeper Norberto Neto hadn't given much reason for doubt before. Bournemouth already conceded a few goals: averaging 14 shots against per game and no more than one goal, including in the League Cup. Offensively, the team has underperformed, partly due to several missed chances against Newcastle, where they managed 2.26 xG for just one goal.
Everton - Bournemouth Prediction
Their last encounter ended with a Bournemouth victory (2:1), and their latest visit to Goodison Park resulted in a heavy defeat (0:3). Currently, Everton have dismal statistics, but they finished last season quite well with five consecutive clean-sheet victories. At home, the team is unlikely to lose, and we shouldn't expect many goals from these teams.
