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Match Preview
Premier
League: Wolves vs Everton
Kickoff
Time: 2023-12-30 23:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/CARL
RECINE
It
appears that Wolves have experienced a positive period during the Christmas and
New Year fixtures, securing two consecutive league victories for the first
time. In the recent midweek match, striker Hee-chan Hwang, who recently signed
a contract extension, scored two goals, taking his tally for the season to 10.
He is now a strong contender for the Premier League Golden Boot. Jean-Ricner
Bellegarde, who came on as a substitute, also found the back of the net,
showcasing good form. Additionally, Pedro Neto, their
assist leader, has returned to the squad after a long absence and is expected
to start in the upcoming game. Wolves have demonstrated a strong home record
throughout the season, defeating giants such as Manchester City, Tottenham
Hotspur, and Chelsea. They have maintained a prolific goal-scoring record at
home. In terms of their playing style, Wolves heavily rely on wing play,
averaging 11.1 dribbles per game, which is the highest in the league. Moreover,
when they lose possession, the players swiftly counter-press and disrupt the
opponent’s offensive rhythm even with committing fouls, averaging 13.1 fouls
per game, which is also the highest in the league.
Everton
have recently encountered a series of injuries and suffered two consecutive
losses in the league, which is in stark contrast to their previous four-game
winning streak. Abdoulaye Doucoure, their leading scorer, will remain sidelined
due to a groin injury, while another key defensive midfielder, Idrissa Gueye,
is also on the injury list. Both players are instrumental in controlling the
midfield, known for their ability to break up opposition attacks and contribute
the most fouls per game. Their absence has resulted in Everton losing their
midfield advantage, and as a consequence, they have conceded a total of five
goals in the past two games, which is the same number of goals they conceded in
the previous six league matches. In terms of offensive stats, Everton have
struggled to convert their opportunities into goals. Despite creating 51
excellent chances in the league so far, they have missed 35 of them, ranking
third in the Premier League in terms of missed opportunities. The forward line,
led by Dominic Calvert-Lewin, has displayed limited scoring ability, with the
goals scored by the forwards accounting for only 41.67% of their total goals.
Given
the recent winning streak of Wolves and the losing streak of Everton, along
with the home advantage for Wolves and Everton’s injury concerns, it is
reasonable to expect Wolves to be the favorites and have a good chance of
securing all three points in this match.
Wolves’
Last 5 Games: WWLDW
23-12-28 Brentford 1-4 Wolves
23-12-24
Wolves 2-1 Chelsea
23-12-17
West Ham United 3-0 Wolves
23-12-09
Wolves 1-1 Nottingham Forest
23-12-06
Wolves 1-0 Burnley
Everton’s
Last 5 Games: LLDWW
23-12-28
Everton 1-3 Manchester United
23-12-23
Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Everton
23-12-20
Everton 1-1 Fulham (PEN 6-7)
23-12-17
Burnley 0-2 Everton
23-12-10
Everton 2-0 Chelsea
Head
To Head Record:
23-08-26
Everton 0-1 Wolves
23-05-20
Wolves 1-1 Everton
22-12-26
Everton 1-2 Wolves
22-03-13
Everton 0-1 Wolves
21-11-02
Wolves 2-1 Everton
Prediction: Wolves to win