'Get results along with performances,' Sean Dyche out for win in Bournemouth's visit.

2024-09-15

As Everton seek redemption after a shaky start to the season, they face a determined Bournemouth side at Goodison Park on Saturday, both eager to break their respective August jinxes and alter the course of their Premier League campaigns.

Everton

Everton's midweek 3-0 victory over Doncaster in the EFL Cup Second Round provided a much-needed confidence boost after their heavy 4-0 Premier League defeat to Spurs last weekend. This defeat marked back-to-back losses, following Everton's 0-3 opening day setback against Brighton. Notably, it was the first time in club history that the Toffees lost their opening two games by three or more goals.

Despite this shaky start, Sean Dyche could be aiming for a crucial victory this weekend, buoyed by Everton's recent strong form at home against their Saturday opponents. In a pre-match press conference, Dyche emphasized the importance of turning the corner, stating, "It's our responsibility and my responsibility as a manager to make sure we do turn the corner and change, get results along with performances."

The Blues boast an impressive record against the Cherries at Goodison Park, having won six of their seven Premier League home games against them. Yet, an ominous cloud looms as the fixture takes place in August, a month during which Everton have lost all five of their Premier League games under Dyche without scoring a single goal.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to lead the attack in a 4-4-1-1 formation against the Cherries. However, the team will have to cope without Nathan Patterson, Youssef Chermiti, and Jarrad Branthwaite, who are all ruled out of this weekend's fixture.

AFC Bournemouth

Bournemouth are coming off a 1-0 loss to West Ham in the EFL Cup second round, leaving them without a win in their last three competitive games. Before this defeat, they had secured consecutive draws, including a 1-1 result against Newcastle United where Marcus Tavernier scored before Anthony Gordon's equaliser.

Currently sitting in 14th place with two points from two draws, Bournemouth are the only team to have drawn both of their opening games this season. They will aim to build on their positive recent record against Everton, having won four of their last six Premier League encounters with them.

For the upcoming match in Liverpool, Bournemouth are expected to field a 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring new arrival Evanilson in the attack. The Cherries will be without Tyler Adams and Enes Ünal due to injuries, but they have bolstered their squad with the loan signing of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, as announced in an official statement by the club.