Everton host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this afternoon.
Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Tottenham now face a big game when they travel to face Everton this afternoon – and believes Spurs will come away with a 2-0 victory.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men head to Merseyside this weekend after a mixed start to the Premier League season, having drawn their last game 1-1 with Burnley, as Chris Wood’s late goal meant that Tottenham dropped two points.
Having beaten Newcastle and lost to Chelsea, Spurs have now won once, drawn once and lost once in a somewhat disappointing start to the season, though fans won’t be too worried just yet.
With new signings Serge Aurier and Fernando Llorente both available to play against Everton today having arrived on deadline day, Pochettino has been boosted, though the absence of midfielder Victor Wanyama is a blow.
Their opponents Everton have had a similar mixed start to the campaign, as they have also won one, drawn one and lost one, having beaten Stoke City on the opening weekend of the season, before taking only a point from trips to Manchester City and Chelsea.
Ronald Koeman wasn’t able to bring in the centre forward he desired to replace Romelu Lukaku, but he has considerably strengthened his squad, with the returning Wayne Rooney making an impressive start to the season – on the pitch at least.
Everton will now hope to pick up another home win after two tricky away trips, but pundit Mark Lawrenson has offered his prediction, stating that he thinks Tottenham will run out 2-0 winners at Goodison Park.
Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks this is now a huge game for Spurs and Pochettino, as dropping points would make it a poor start to the season for Tottenham, but he is backing Spurs to get a result when it matters.
“This has turned into a big game for Tottenham after they dropped more points at home in their last game against Burnley. If they lose at Goodison Park, they will have made a poor start,” said Lawrenson. “I don’t think Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino will allow that to happen. His teams normally play well when it matters, and I think we will see a reaction from them.”
“Everton are no pushovers, but I am not sure who is going to prise open the Spurs defence. Sandro Ramirez is still adjusting to the English game and they seem a little short in attack,” he added.
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