Everton’s up and coming games will see them take on Manchester City, Burnley, West Ham, Chelsea and Swansea.
Everton went into the international break off the back of some disappointing results, but despite this, the Blues are currently fifth in the table.
Ronald Koeman has already made significant changes to the under-performing side that we saw in the previous two campaigns. The challenge for Koeman now is to prove to everyone that he can turn this Everton team into serious top six contenders.
With the Premier League returning this weekend, HITC takes a look at Everton’s next five Premier League games and predicts the outcome.
Manchester City (away) – 3-1 lose
After suffering a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, the pressure will be on for City to come back after the break and secure three points. With Romelu Lukaku a doubt after suffering a thigh injury whilst playing for Belgium, the Blues will struggle up front if they are without their star man.
Will Lukaku be fit for Everton’s clash against Manchester City on Saturday?
Despite an impressive defensive record, the Toffees have not conceded more than a single goal in any Premier League game this season. The quality and depth of City’s side is a challenge for any defence, which is why Guardiola’s team are likely to come out on top.
Burnley (away) – 1-0 (win)
It will be a tough match for Everton at Turf Moor, the Blues will be under pressure to pick up a win. Koeman will have the squad fired up which should earn the toffees victory. A surprise 2-0 victory against Liverpool at the beginning of the season shows that Sean Dyche’s team have the ability to cause an upset. The Blues should however win this game without too many problems.
West Ham (home) – 2-0 (win)
Everton’s first game at Goodison Park since the international break, the Blues will face struggling West Ham. Although a victory for the Hammers will soon come, Lukaku’s record against West Ham should secure victory for the Blues. The striker has scored in all eight of his Everton appearances against the Hammers in all competitions. The East London side should be in better form by the time they travel to Merseyside, however the toffees should be able to overcome this challenge.
Lukaku’s goal scoring record against West Ham should help fire the Blues to victory
Chelsea (away) – 2-0 (lose)
Everton’s next big test will be at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are yet to have the quality and options on their bench that the top teams have. Defeats to Hull, Arsenal and Liverpool show that Chelsea are not unstoppable and a result for the toffees is not impossible. However, Antonio Conte’s side will be hard for Everton to match. If Koeman wants European football then he must try and get a result against the big teams.
Swansea (home) – 1-1 draw
Everton have a pretty impressive record against Swansea. Only ever losing twice to the Welsh team in all competitions. Despite a poor start to the season, the Swans have proven that against bigger teams they can get a result. Swansea drew 2-2 against Chelsea and despite losing to Manchester City and Liverpool, the Welsh side put in a good performance. Facing the Swans will not be easy for the Blues, and under new management, a draw could be on the cards.
Swansea City’s Leroy Fer celebrates scoring during their 2-2 draw against Chelsea
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