PREM: Everton v Bournemouth preview

Everton v Bournemouth preview

Everton take on Bournemouth in a fixture that is renowned for producing entertainment and plenty of goals.

Goals are always seemingly guaranteed in this fixture. There have been 29 of them scored in seven Premier League meetings (Everton 16, Bournemouth 13), which works out at an average 4.14 goals per game. It's the highest average for a Premier League fixture played more than six times.

 

However, both teams are low on confidence after a dodgy festive period. Everton have lost four of their five league games, including the last two. Meanwhile, Bournemouth are currently on a club-record run of five consecutive away defeats in the Premier League.

Cherries boss Eddie Howe is well aware of the importance of breaking that run.

"It's another massive game for us," said Howe. "We're keen to show a response to the recent run that we've been on.

"It's two teams that want to attack and implement their attacking play on the other team.

"We did really well to come back from two goals down against them earlier this season."

 

Everton have no new injury worries, but Marco Silva may refresh his starting line-up.

Ademola Lookman scored in the FA Cup win over Lincoln and may replace Theo Walcott while Lucas Digne, Andre Gomes and Richarlison are all likely to feature after being rested last weekend.

 

Bournemouth trio Callum Wilson, Joshua King and Ryan Fraser will undergo late fitness tests ahead of Sunday's Premier League game at Everton.

Strikers Wilson (hamstring) and King (flu) missed the Cherries' FA Cup loss to Brighton last weekend, while winger Fraser (hamstring) reported injured following the tie.

Right-back Nathaniel Clyne could make his league debut for the club, but fellow new signing Dominic Solanke (hamstring) will not be involved, while Simon Francis, Adam Smith and Lewis Cook (all knee) remain sidelined.