2 Everton vs 3 AFC Bournemouth
'Get results along with performances,' Sean Dyche out for win in Bournemouth's visit.
Everton will look to bounce back from their Premier League woes as they host a resilient Bournemouth at Goodison Park on Saturday, hoping to leverage their impressive home record against the Cherries.
Everton
Everton’s midweek 3-0 win over Doncaster in the EFL Cup Second Round was a confidence-boosting result for the Blues, especially after their heavy 4-0 Premier League loss to Spurs last weekend. That defeat left them with back-to-back losses following their opening day defeat to Brighton [0-3]. It was the first time in club history the Toffees lost their first two games by three or more goals.
However, with a run of fine form in recent times on home turf against Saturday’s opponents, Sean Dyche could be eyeing his maiden win this weekend. “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,” he said in a pre-match press conference.
The Blues have won six of their seven Premier League home games against the Cherries [6W, 0D, 1L]. Nevertheless, an ominous cloud hovers above Goodison Park considering Saturday’s fixture takes place in the month of August. Everton have lost all five of their Premier League games in August under Sean Dyche without scoring a single goal.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to be in attack when Dyche deploys the 4—4—1—1 against the Cherries. Nathan Patterson, Youssef Chermiti, and Jarrad Branthwaite are all ruled out of this weekend’s fixture.
AFC Bournemouth
Bournemouth were left without a win in three competitive games after the midweek 1-0 loss to West Ham in the EFL Cup second round. The defeat followed back-to-back draws, including last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle United. Marcus Tavernier scored in the 37th minute, but Anthony Gordon equalized in the 77th minute.
Currently sitting in 14th place with two points (0W, 2D, 0L), Bournemouth are the only team to have drawn both of their opening games this season. They have won four of their last six Premier League games against Everton and will be looking to increase their tally of victories on Saturday when they travel to Liverpool.
A 4-2-3-1 formation with new arrival Evanilson in attack is expected. The Cherries will be without Tyler Adams and Enes Ünal, who are sidelined with injuries. Meanwhile, Kepa Arrizabalaga has joined Iraola’s side on a loan deal.
"AFC Bournemouth are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on a season-long loan deal," read an official statement. "We believe he will be an exciting addition to our talented goalkeeping department," it continued.
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