Everton vs Wolves predictions: Strugglers to play out cagey affair

- Everton have scored just 11 goals this season 
- Wolves have only scored three away goals 
- Recommended bet: Under 1.5 goals

Two of the big strugglers from the first half of the Premier League season will be looking to get the second part of their campaigns off to the best possible start when they face off on Boxing Day as Everton host Wolves.

The Midlands club currently sit bottom of the pile in the top flight after scoring just eight goals in their opening 15 games, taking ten points in the process.

New manager Julen Lopetegui has been tasked with turning the ship around but any potential new recruits he may have come January will not be available for this clash.

The new boss got his reign off to the perfect start with a 2-0 win over Gillingham in the EFL Cup, although the former Spain boss may be concerned by the fact that it was a stalemate until the 77th minute.

Everton have hardly been much more impressive this season, winning just three of their opening 15 matches to sit a point outside of the relegation zone. 

The pressure has ramped up again on Frank Lampard and he will have to prove his side can turn their perilous position around but only their opponents here have scored fewer goals than the Toffees. 

Team news

Everton have been plagued by injuries throughout this season and they now have four players who are expected to miss this clash.

James Garner and Mason Holgate are both out with longer-term injuries while Dominic Calvert-Lewin is unlikely to feature after struggling with a number of injuries throughout the season.

Andros Townsend is out with a knee injury and will likely need to get up to match fitness before he can feature for Lampard’s side again.

For Wolves, they also have a number of long-term injuries with Pedro Neto, Sasa Kalajdzic, Chiquinho and Jonny out with long-term issues while Boubacar Traore is a doubt for this game with a knock. 

The stats

No team has scored fewer goals than Wolves’ eight in the Premier League this season. 

Ten of Everton’s 15 league games have gone under 2.5 goals.

Wolves have taken two points from a possible 21 away from home this season.

Everton have tasted defeated four times without scoring in their last six Premier League matches.

Prediction

With issues going forward the primary problem for both of these teams, it is not hard to envisage a low-scoring affair at Goodison Park.

For this pair that are rooted at the wrong end of the table, aiming not to lose this clash may be more important to them than winning it. 

Teams may also be a little disjointed after the mid-season break and that could be reflected in their attacking output.

As a result, this is a match that could be decided by a goal or less and under 1.5 goals is the fancied selection at 2/1 with LiveScore Bet.