Everton go into matchday 29 in sixth place and four points behind fourth-place Chelsea. Carlo Ancelotti’s team could have added pressure on their shoulders on Saturday. Everton host Burnley at Goodison Park after Chelsea’s match versus Leeds United.
Burnley head to Goodison Park sitting in 15th place. Sean Dyche’s team have not won any of their last five games with four of those matches finishing in draws. The Clarets are just four points ahead of 18th-place Fulham. Dyche’s team need a win to inch higher up the table.
Everton and Burnley have played 11 times since 2014. Everton have posted a record of 6W-1D-4L during that 11-game time span.
The reverse fixture between the clubs at Turf Moor finished 1-1 as Everton came from behind to get a point. Burnley’s Robbie Brady opened the scoring in the third minute but Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck back just before halftime.
In the five previous matches played at Goodison Park between Everton and Burnley, the Clarets have won just once during that time period. That victory came during the 2017-18 Premier League season.
Ancelotti has seven players on his injury list going into the weekend. Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Yerry Mina, Fabian Delph, and Abdoulaye Doucoure are all ruled out of the fixture with injuries. Full-back Seamus Coleman is due back following a knock. James Rodriguez and Robin Olsen are doubts.
Dyche has four names on the Burnley injury list. The good news is that three of those players will undergo fitness tests and could be passed fit for the game.
Jack Cork, Charlie Taylor and Robbie Brady are all set for a fitness test. Meanwhile, Dyche is without striker Ashley Barnes. The forward remains out with a thigh issue.
Everton’s form over the last six games has been up and down. They took just nine points from 18 on offer with five goals scored and seven conceded.
Burnley took seven points from 18 possible. Four of their last six games ended in draws. They were outscored by opponents 7-6.
Everton will follow up their game versus Burnley with an FA Cup quarterfinal fixture versus Manchester City. Saturday’s game will be a warm-up for the Toffees as they aim to stay in contention for the top four.
Burnley are in a relegation battle. Any points on Saturday would benefit their fight for survival. A loss to Everton could see them dragged closer to the bottom three depending on Fulham’s game versus Manchester City.
Based on history, Everton should claim a win at home versus Burnley. They have won back-to-back games at Goodison Park and should make it three straight victories at home versus Burnley.