Everton FC vs Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, Premier League 2022-2023, Today Match Prediction

Everton FC vs Wolverhampton Wanderers FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Wolves will finally play a Premier League game with a permanent manager in charge, having gone over two months since Bruno Lage was sacked.

While there has been a World Cup during that time, it feels like a long period of instability for a club that needs re-energising on and off the pitch.

They simply haven’t scored enough goals in recent times, with only eight going in so far this season. New manager Julen Lopetegui has strong experience from Spain and Portugal but faces a tough challenge here.

Everton are in a world of trouble too, having entered the World Cup break in disastrous form. Frank Lampard has steered them out of trouble before but faces another uphill battle to do so again this season.

There is plenty riding on this game for both clubs.

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Everton FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Won their last three Boxing Day fixtures

     Frank Lampard has steered them out of trouble before

Reasons to be fearful:

     Lost five of their last seven league games

     Lost 20 league matches in 2022 – the most of any Premier League side

Frank Lampard is once again in serious trouble as Everton manager.

He produced a wonderful turnaround to save the Toffees from relegation last season, using the fans at Goodison Park to spur his team on.

Unfortunately, it looks like they’re heading for another relegation battle this season, with the team not scoring enough goals and playing with any intensity or belief.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin just cannot stay fit – he is unlikely to return here – while others are either not good enough or not experienced enough to cope with the demands yet.

Andros Townsend will also miss out here, while Conor Coady cannot play against his parent club – a shame for Everton as the defender had been one of their best performers since joining on loan.

Here, Everton must use the energy of the crowd to earn three points here.

Star Man – Alex Iwobi

The Nigerian wasn’t at the World Cup and will therefore be raring to go here. He has been one of Everton’s better players so far this season and needs to step up with his team desperate for goals.

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful

     New manager should provide a welcome boost

     Won both league games against Everton last season

Reasons to be fearful

     Taken one point from the last 15 available

     Yet to win away from home this season

Wolves will be hoping that the famous ‘new manager bounce’ visits them this Christmas and helps to propel them up the Premier League table.

Julen Lopetegui has had spells as Real Madrid and Spain manager, although he’s best known for longer periods at Sevilla and Porto. It’s the experience of managing big clubs that has drawn Wolves to him.

They need a quick turnaround for sure. Now four points from safety, they have been the worst team away from home this season, as well as the lowest scorers in the league wherever they play.

Everton haven’t been particularly good in front of goal either, something which should give Wolves some hope here. They’ll be counting down the days until the January transfer window opens, as their squad looks desperately thin.

Star Man – Raul Jimenez

He’s been Wolves’ top scorer over a number of years, and the club need their star striker to come to life over the remainder of the season if they are to stay up.