Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolverhampton Wanderers have hit a bumpy patch in their Premier League season. The club have lost back to back games falling to Arsenal and Sheffield United, and failing to score in both games.
Wolves’ hope of a top-five finish has taken a hit and six points separate them from Manchester United. Now, attention has been turned to holding onto sixth place. Sunday sees Everton arrive at Molineux with a massive three points up for grabs.
Everton are also in poor form having obtained just one point from their last six possible. The Toffees lost to Tottenham Hotspur last Monday and followed it up with a 1-1 draw at home to Southampton on Thursday.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team have been more cold than hot when playing away from Goodison Park. Just 15 points from a possible 52 have been taken by Everton on their travels and three of their last four games away from home all ended in losses.
Wolves haven’t had the success at Molineux this season that they did last year. Twenty-five points from 52 have been taken at home. They are keeping opponents from scoring with just 19 goals conceded. Their loss to Arsenal last weekend, 2-0, ended a four-game unbeaten streak at Molineux.
Everton claimed a late winner against Wolves earlier this season thanks to an 80th-minute Richarlison goal. The game finished 3-2 with the two clubs trading goals in the same way heavyweight boxers trade punches.
The last time these sides met at Molineux, the fixture ended in a 2-2 draw. With Wolves going scoreless in their last two league games, they will hope to get on the scoresheet once more.
Santo does have one injury worry and that is to in-demand winger Adama Traore. The transfer target of Manchester City, Barcelona, and Juventus separated his shoulder against Sheffield United and played 77 minutes with the problem.
He is listed as possible to play. Santo has stated Traore can play with the injury but it is likely he is rested, at least from the start.
Ancelotti has a few new injury concerns including Andre Gomes and Mason Holgate. Both are considered doubts for the fixture in the West Midlands.
Everton have been overall poor on their travels and that shaky away form should continue this weekend. Wolverhampton Wanderers have a lot to play for – more than the Toffees – and should get back to winning ways at home.
Although these sides have scored goals against each other in the past, expect a low-scoring match with under 2.5 goals going into the back of the net.