Everton are winless in their last five Premier League matches. The Toffees will hope to end that streak on Boxing Day against Burnley.
The hosts have also been on the skids losing five of their last six games. Sean Dyche’s team is in the bottom three, two points from safety. The Burnley manager watched his team lose 3-1 to Arsenal most recently. In the wake of the result, Dyche has once again railed against diving and blamed it for his team’s losses rather than a dearth of talent. Burnley are one of the Premier League’s least talented teams and they may have overstayed their Premier League welcome.
Marco Silva’s team has slipped to 14th in the table. In week 18, Everton were throttled at Goodison Park by Tottenham, 6-2. It was an embarrassing result. Everton’s defence has been woeful in their last five fixtures giving up 13 goals. They have allowed two or more goals in three straight games.
The good news is Burnley are not proficient in front of the net as they have scored the third fewest goals in the league (16). Defensively, Burnley have allowed the third most goals (36). If Dyche wants to blame diving for his team’s shortcomings, then he is simply kidding himself and supporters of the lack of quality he has in the team.
The last six games between Burnley and Everton have ended in three wins apiece. The teams have combined for 16 goals during that time span. Burnley won both meetings between the clubs last season, but things are very different for both sides. Goals have been plentiful at Turf Moor as Burnley and Everton have seen over 2.5 goals in their last three matches at the stadium.
Injuries have been an issue for Burnley. Goalkeeper Nick Pope has missed the entire league season. Meanwhile, Steven Defour and Stephen Ward haven’t been available recently. The combination of injuries has weakened Burnley’s talent pool even more.
Despite Everton’s recent losing streak, they are heavy favourites according to major sportsbooks. Everton have far more talented players who can put the ball in the back of the net. Burnley are destined to fight relegation and will suffer a 13th loss this term.
Both teams will find the back of the net as Everton win on Boxing Day. Expect over 2.5 goals as neither side has been able to defend well this season.