The English Premier League season is rapidly coming to a close and we have an early kick-off to enjoy this weekend as Everton host Burnley at Goodison Park.
The Toffees are still hopefully they can finish as high as 7th place this season and that could mean a place in the Europa League. Having secured their place in the Premier League for another season, Burnley are trying to finish as high up the table as possible, with 12th still a possibility.
Everton come into this game having been held to a 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace last weekend. It wasn’t a bad point but felt a little disappointing coming off the back of the fantastic 4-0 win over Manchester United a week earlier.
Trends show Everton are unbeaten in five of their last six Premier League games and have picked up home wins against Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United during that run. Everton are undefeated in their last four matches at Goodison and in addition to the three wins above they held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw.
One of the strong aspects of Everton’s recent home form has been their defence and trends show they have kept a clean sheet in each of their last four home Premier League games. Considering the quality of the opposition, that’s a very good return and they will be hoping to extend that sequence in this match.
Burnley travel to Goodison having lost narrowly at home 1-0 to Manchester City last weekend. The Clarets put up a good fight and have nothing to worry about in terms of their level of performance heading into this game.
Prior to the loss to Manchester City, Burnley held Chelsea to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League and trends show they have lost only one of their last five games. There have been three wins in that run of five games, two of which were at home against Wolverhampton and Cardiff City and one at Bournemouth.
However, trends show wins have been tough to come by away from home and Burnley have won only four of their last twenty-five away games in all competitions. They have seen over 2.5 goals in six of their last seven on the road.
Team news and Everton are without Andre Gomes who is suspended. Theo Walcott, Lucas Digne and Richarlison are doubtful but the latter two players should be fit to start the game.
Burnley continue to monitor the fitness of Phil Bardsley and he could come back into the team at right-back if available. Peter Crouch, Steven Defour and Aaron Lennon are unlikely to play any part.
Everton have been good at home in recent weeks and both the fans and players will be looking forward to this match. Burnley have the ability to make things tough for the hosts but expect to see Everton take maximum points with over 2.5 goals scored.