Evertonvs.Wolves

With two of the most discontent fanbases in the division, and managers under huge pressure, this is certainly a must-win for both, and one of the most significant in the midweek schedule.

Match preview

Following the 4-0 defeat at Manchester United on Sunday, it appears as though the general consensus from the Everton fanbase is now that Sean Dyche's days are numbered at the club, unless he can perform a miraculous turnaround in their fortunes this month.

With new owners The Friedkin Group expected to take over this month, it will become clear that Dyche's popularity among the fans is now dwindling, and the fact that Everton's away end at Old Trafford was practically empty after half time at the weekend is a clear indicator.

Everton's fixture list for December looks treacherous, with trips to Arsenal and Manchester City on the way, and home clashes with Chelsea and rivals and league leaders Liverpool, placing massive importance on getting three points here.

Dyche's side are just two points above the drop zone, having taken 11 points from their opening 13 games - the worst tally at this stage of a season since 1994.

That is not where the dismal stats end though, because the 4-0 defeat on Sunday was the fifth time Everton have suffered a four-goal loss under Dyche in just 58 Premier League games.

To put that into context, David Moyes took charge of almost seven times more Premier League games, and only suffered that fate on seven occasions.

The Toffees have not scored since October, with their four-match scoreless run their worst in almost three years, and it is a lack of quality in the final third which is costing them, because in that time, they have still managed to take 69 shots, and create a xG value of 4.5.

It therefore comes as no surprise that Everton are the lowest scorers in the division, and the team seem incapable of creating chances in open play - something that continues to frustrate the supporters.

In 32 matches this calendar year, Everton have scored just 12 open-play goals, averaging a mere 0.68 xG per game from open play in that time, with the second-lowest number of chances created in the Premier League this season.

The hosts now face a side that have won on their last three visits to Goodison, and Wolves' unbeaten record against Everton now dates back six matches.

Since the most recent away win last August, and a 3-0 success in the reverse during the festive period, Wolves have not enjoyed much success though.

Fixtures got much kinder on paper for Gary O'Neil's side following a very difficult start, but after beating Fulham 4-1 last week, Wolves undone all that good work by losing 4-2 at home to Bournemouth on Saturday.

That ended their four-game unbeaten run and saw the Molineux faithful boo the side off at the final whistle, with defensive calamities handing the Cherries three penalties in comical fashion.

Wolves have by far the leakiest defence in the Premier League, having conceded 32 goals so far, with the next worst being Leicester City's tally of 27.

The visitor's only clean sheet came in a home win against bottom-of-the-table Southampton, and they have failed to keep one away from home since January, so that will be a fascinating battle against the league's weakest attack.

Everton Premier League form:

W

D

L

D

D

L

Wolverhampton Wanderers Premier League form:

L

D

D

W

W

L

Team News

Dyche revealed that Chelsea loanee Armando Broja is "looking really fit" following a lengthy layoff, and the Albanian striker could be close to making his Everton debut.

Another option in attack is desperately needed given their attacking woes, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin was dropped for the first time this season on Sunday, with Beto finally given a chance from the start.

Youssef Chermiti is another attacker closing in on a return, but he is a few weeks behind Broja in his recovery, while important midfielder James Garner is yet to return to full training.

Wolves will be without Nelson Semedo after his fifth booking of the season triggered a suspension, while Yerson Mosquera and Boubacar Traore remain out injured, but the away side should be able to call upon many players after recent setbacks.

Santiago Bueno and Pablo Sarabia were not risked against Bournemouth but could well start here, while Hwang Hee-chan is also building up his fitness following a recent injury, with two sub appearances in their last two.

After conceding two penalties at the weekend, goalkeeper Jose Sa could be in danger of losing his place in the side with Sam Johnstone back to full fitness again.

Everton possible starting lineup:

Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Doucoure; Harrison, McNeil, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin

Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup:

Johnstone; Lemina, Bueno, Dawson; R Gomes, J Gomes, Andre, Ait-Nouri; Sarabia, Strand Larsen, Cunha

We say: Everton 0-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

With just seven wins in 35 matches, and one at home all season, Everton are showing no signs of arresting a recent poor run, especially given their very feeble attacking returns.

Previews by email