Everton take on Wolves at the Hill Dickinson Stadium tonight – and pundit Paul Merson believes one factor will be crucial for the Toffees.
David Moyes is looking for a response this evening after the poor performance at the weekend against Brentford.
Everton need to get back on track, and Wolves clearly represent a good opportunity to do this.
If you are David Moyes, who are you starting alongside James Garner vs Wolves? 🤨
Surely Armstrong gets his start!
The Old Gold have struggled badly this season and are currently bottom of the table having picked up just six points.
They’ve improved recently under Rob Edwards, but this is still a game Everton should be winning – even with key players missing.
For pundit Paul Merson though, there is something ‘critical’ for Everton if they want to take all three points.
Paul Merson insists Everton must start fast vs Wolves
Everton have the potential to push into the top half with a win tonight. Or, the Toffees could fall as low as 14th.
Given the opponent, the second outcome does not really bear thinking about, and Everton simply have to rise to the occasion tonight.
The home form recently has been a bit concerning, and pundit Paul Merson has spoken of the environment being a factor in this game in his score prediction.
For him, it is essential that Everton start this game quickly and don’t let Wolves start dictating proceedings.
He told Sportskeeda: “This is a big game after what happened last weekend. Wolves’ win was massive and Everton got destroyed by Brentford. If Wolves start well, I think they can cause problems and make Everton nervous here.
“The fans will turn up and demand a strong performance from Everton after what happened last time out. So it’s critical for Everton to start this game on the front foot.
“Wolves’ away form is decent. They gave Arsenal a really tough game and held Manchester United to a draw. This is the perfect timing for them to be facing Everton. I have a feeling Everton will bounce back with a win though.”
Fast start paramount for Everton in Wolves clash
Wolves have been buoyed by the win they got against West Ham at the weekend, and it is essential for Everton to start well tonight.
David Moyes side cannot be inviting Wolves to play, and should be taking the game to their opponent at home.
What changes would you make for Wolves? 🤔
Ultimately, this is a side that is 15 points away from safety in the Premier League, and Everton need to dominate.
Grealish is gunning to equal an assists record for Everton, so hopefully we’ll see him step up – he did get two assists against Wolves in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
To start feebly this evening could potentially be quite costly, because Wolves will gain confidence and think there are points there for the taking.
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