Match Previews

Burnley v Everton

Two sides desperately out of form fight it out on Boxing Day as Burnley host Everton at Turf Moor in a game that marks the half way point of the campaign.

The Toffees come into the clash on the back of their worst performance under Marco Silva.

A rampant Spurs side embarrassed Everton on Sunday when they fired six past Jordan Pickford.

The Blues’ frailties at the back were ruthlessly exposed by Harry Kane and co.

Now winless in five games, Silva must beat a Burnley outfit that has became a bogey team for Everton since the Clarets’ most recent promotion.

The Blues have lost on their last two visits to Turf Moor, both matches finishing 2-1.

Burnley also completed a league double over Everton last term, beating the Merseysiders 1-0 at Goodison Park.

But after Sean Dyche led his side to a seventh place finish last campaign it has been anything but smooth sailing.

Burnley have won just one of their last 11 games and have found themselves in the drop zone.

Despite that, Dyche will be confident in an upturn in results though after their last outing.

Despite going down 3-1 at the Emirates, Burnley showed signs of life.

They gave Unai Emery’s Arsenal a scare in a physical battle when Ashley Barnes netted to make it 2-1 and played well for the majority of the match, but the Gunners’ class prevailed in the end.

One to watch 

Chris Wood hasn’t been as prolific this season, scoring just one goal.

But the New Zealand international loves playing against the Toffees.

The forward has netted past Everton whilst playing for Leicester, Leeds and Burnley and will fancy his chances against a side that has shipped nine goals in two matches.

Team news 

The hosts will be without Steven Defour, Aaron Lennon, Stephen Ward and Nick Pope.

Everton will assess Andre Gomes and Idrissa Gueye ahead of kick-off.

Man in the middle 

Michael Oliver will take the whistle for this one. This will be his first Everton gig of the season. In 21 games this season he has shown 65 yellow cards and five reds.

Tom Ferguson
Published by
Tom Ferguson

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