Gueye, Idrissa 
Kalajdzic, Sasa 
Still looking for their first points of the 2023/24 Premier League season, Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers meet at Goodison Park on Saturday in round 3.
Key Takeaways
- Everton suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat away to Aston Villa last time out
- Wolves were beaten by a vehement 4-1 scoreline at home to Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend
- The Toffees have failed to beat the visitors in any of their previous four meetings
It has been a poor start to the season for both Everton and Wolves as they have both lost their opening two games of the new campaign. Both sides could be facing a potential relegation battle by the end of the season.
Everton Form
Everton just about keep riding their luck to remain in the English top flight and Sean Dyche was able to guide the Toffees to safety last term by the skin of their teeth. They survived by just two points and two wins from their final four matches helped them avoid the drop.
Concerns still remain in the Everton camp, nevertheless, since they have lost their first two games of the season without scoring a single goal. They had plenty of chances in their opener at home to Fulham but couldn’t make the most of them as they lost 1-0. However, it wasn’t a good performance at Villa Park as they were put to the sword by Villa in a 4-0 defeat.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Form
Julen Lopetegui got Wolves out of trouble last term as he was able to guide them to a 13th-placed finish, despite the club looking destined for the drop midway through the campaign. However, frustrations with a lack of signings over the summer has seen Lopetegui depart.
Many have tipped Wolves to go down this season and it hasn’t been a good start either. They started with a 1-0 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford before Brighton’s affluent attack shone at Molineux last weekend as the Seagulls defeated them 4-1. Gary O’Neil has some work to do if he is to keep Wolves up this term.
Head-to-Head
However, positive signs for Wolves is that they are unbeaten across their last four clashes with Everton and have won three of those matches in the process. They even won 2-1 at Goodison Park last season thanks to goals from Daniel Podence and Rayan Ait Nouri. Everton’s last triumph over Wolves came on their own turf back in 2021 in a 1-0 victory.
Team News
A long list of injury concerns for the hosts isn’t helping things either. Forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin suffered a facial injury last time out and could miss the next couple of weeks as his injury issues continue. He will join the likes of Alex Iwobi, Dwight McNeil, Jack Harrison, Dele Alli and Seamus Coleman on the sidelines.
Andre Gomes is dealing with a calf problem and is yet to make an appearance this term. However, he could be back for this one. Demarai Gray and new signing Youssef Chermiti are dealing with fitness issues.
Matheus Nunes is suspended for Wolves after he was dismissed last time out against Brighton. Sasa Kalajdzic made his long-awaited return from injury against Man United and so he is pushing for more minutes. Podence has not been in the squad of late since he is set to depart Molineux by the end of the transfer window.
Key Players
When Calvert-Lewin is on form, so are Everton. His injury issues have been detrimental over the last couple of seasons and his latest issue is yet another blow. There’s a real lack of creativity and goalscorers in the squad. Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana will be crucial, nevertheless.
It’s a similar situation for Wolves who lack much goal-scoring ability throughout their squad. Nunes will be a big loss in the midfield. Hee-Chan Hwang got on the scoresheet last time out, though, and he can provide a threat up top at times. Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha needs to start scoring.
How to watch on TV or Online
The clash between Everton and Wolves will not be available to watch on TV or online in the UK.
Final Thoughts
It should be a low-scoring affair on Saturday since both teams lack much creativity and quality in front of goal. They are both desperate for their first points of the season and it is Everton who are narrow favourites due to home advantage.
EFL Cup