Everton will beat Middlesbrough 2-0 this evening, according to Mark Lawrenson.
Mark Lawrenson
Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Everton will beat Middlesbrough 2-0 at Goodison Park this evening.
The Toffees have started the season in stunning fashion, dropping just two points from their first four games to take second place in the Premier League table heading into this weekend’s fixtures.
Everton’s Ross Barkley looks dejected
Monday’s 3-0 win over Sunderland saw a return to form for striker Romelu Lukaku as he smashed a second half hat-trick, but playmaker Ross Barkley was hauled off at half-time by manager Ronald Koeman.
The England international may not even start today as Everton host Middlesbrough, who were beaten 2-1 by Crystal Palace last weekend.
Aitor Karanka’s side have endured a mixed start to the season, having won once, drawn twice and lost once, with their one victory coming away from home.
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka
The Spaniard will be hoping for a similar outcome in today’s game, but pundit Mark Lawrenson doesn’t think Boro stand much chance of picking up a positive result during their trip to Merseyside.
Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Koeman has proven he will make big decisions by substituting Barkley against Sunderland, whilst he claimed summer signing Idrissa Gueye has been a ‘steal’ following his move from Aston Villa.
The ex-Liverpool defender added that whilst he thnks Middlesbrough have made a solid start to the season, he thinks they will lose the game 2-0 this evening.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
“Everton boss Ronald Koeman has competition for places and is not afraid to make big decisions, like taking Ross Barkley off at half-time at Sunderland on Monday,” said Lawrenson. “Romelu Lukaku is back among the goals and Idrissa Gueye looks a steal in midfield too – everything is going well for them.”
“Middlesbrough have still made a solid start to the season despite seeing their unbeaten run ended by Crystal Palace last week, but it is hard to see them getting anything at Goodison Park,” he added.
What’s your prediction for Everton v Middlesbrough?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
