Everton vs Tottenham preview, betting tips and predictions: Home side’s form points to shock win

Draw HT/Everton FT @ 13/2 with Paddy Power

Everton to win by exactly one goal @ 4/1 with Paddy Power

Tottenham to win and BTTS @ 16/5 with Paddy Power

Tottenham could hardly wish for a tougher away trip than Everton right now, given the buzz around Ronald Koeman’s side right now. Despite losing at Chelsea in their last Premier League game, they have beaten Stoke and earned a credible draw at Manchester City. Wayne Rooney has looked like a new man up front, netting two in four so far, and a productive transfer window has bolstered their defence and midfield.

Tottenham’s wasn’t too bad either, in the end. Young defender Davinson Sanchez, PSG right back Serge Aurier and Swansea striker Fernando Llorente joined late in the window, but Mauricio Pochettino’s issues will start to grow if they do not pick up three points against Everton. Victory against Newcastle on the opening day was a great start, but after defeat to Chelsea and, more worryingly, a late draw with Burnley, they could find themselves some way behind the title chasers if they leave Merseyside empty-handed, especially if Manchester United continue with their 100% record in their game with Stoke City.

Other than the new signings, there is one other overwhelmingly positive thing for Spurs coming into this game. Harry Kane has hit over 30 goals for club and country in the last three seasons, and he has never scored in August. But after netting for England this week, history suggests he may be about to find his mojo again. Therefore, backing him to score first at 16/5 with Paddy Power could give some real value.

But our tips are backing Everton, other than the last one, because history suggests Spurs have been quiet starters under Pochettino. They drew 1-1 at Goodison Park on the first day of last season, before beating Everton 3-2 at White Hart Lane.

This game is undoubtedly going to be tight, because while both are good going forward, they are equally solid at the back. Victor Wanyama and Idrissa Gueye will protect the back four, but as the game goes on, the more creative options at Koeman’s disposal, notably Gylfi Sigurdsson and Davey Klaasen, not to mention an in-form Wayne Rooney up front, that could give the hosts the edge. Kane could inspire Spurs though, and if they start fast they could control the game from an early stage.

Key battle: Dominic Calvert-Lewin vs Ben Davies

Tottenham’s play is defined by the transition from wide play to central, with the likes of Christian Eriksen and Son Heung-Min in support of Kane up front. That means it starts at fullback, but Davies will have his work cut out with Calvert-Lewin running at him. The Everton youngster’s good work against Manchester City helped set up Rooney for his opening goal, and Davies will leave some space in behind him to be exploited.

With Alli and Eriksen starting out wide and cutting in, there will be no chance to double up on Calvert-Lewin. Wanyama may come across to help, but that will open up space for the likes of Sigurdsson to hit Spurs at the heart of the defence. If Calvert-Lewin can isolate Davies, he could have a monumental impact on the game.