Everton [1.64] v Burnley [6.4]; The Draw [4.2]
Friday 3 May, 20:00
Live on Sky Sports Main Event
Europe can wait for improving Everton
Everton are ending the season in decent form, but they may fall short of a Premier League finish which could deliver a place in next season’s Europa League.
With Everton drawing away at Crystal Palace last weekend, seventh placed Wolves were able to move four points clear of the Merseysiders, with two games of the season remaining. Everton’s last two away games (D1 L1) have cost them at a time when their home form is very good.
Ultimately it could be for the best. Everton’s squad was badly stretched when they last competed in Europe back in 2017-18, leading to a brush with relegation. A run of four home matches without defeat (W3 D1) has seen Everton rise to a position that ensures that Marco Silva will get to continue his rebuilding job next season and his task will be made easier by a calmer fixture list.
Silva will be without the suspended Andre Gomes for this match. Yerry Mina is a doubt with a hamstring injury.
Burnley should be confident, despite loss
Burnley’s four match unbeaten run (W3 D1) came to an end last weekend when they were beaten 1-0 at home by Manchester City.
The Clarets gave a good account of themselves in the match, with Manchester City not able to break them down until the second-half. They have every reason to remain confident then, having beaten Bournemouth and drawn with Chelsea away from home in recent weeks.
It’s been a difficult season for Burnley, who like Everton a couple of years ago, struggled to juggle the demands of domestic and European football. Eventually they found the form in the second-half of the season to survive and it will be interesting to see next season, whether Burnley are destined to be fighting against relegation again, or whether they can repeat the success they enjoyed in 2017-18.
The Burnley manager Sean Dyche will be without a quartet of players for the trip to Goodison Park. Phil Bardsley, Peter Crouch, Steven Defour and Aaron Lennon are all injured.
Toffees too short despite sweet spell
Everton are the [1.64] favourites, with the draw at [4.2] and Burnley out at [6.4].
The hosts’ four match unbeaten run at home came against top opposition in the form of Liverpool (0-0), Chelsea (2-0), Arsenal (1-0) and Manchester United (4-0), but there is an argument that Burnley are actually playing better than the last three of those teams.
Everton are maybe a little slim then. There looks to be more value in the draw, with Burnley involved in an entertaining match with Chelsea in their last away outing that ended 2-2.
Everton’s defence has improved
Over 2.5 goals is the favourite at [1.92], with unders out at [2.02].
It’s perhaps a little surprising to see under 2.5 goals as the outsider, when both defences are much improved. Everton beat Burnley 5-1 in the reverse fixture, when Dyche’s side were struggling with the basics, but the return of Tom Heaton has ensured that Burnley are much more difficult to beat these days.
Everton have now kept clean sheets in seven of their last nine games, despite the fact that their defence was a major issue for them earlier on this season. A low scoring match seems likely.
Source: BetFair Tips
