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Everton face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, August 31, 2024.
Ahead of the game, Paul Merson has shared his prediction on Sportskeeda.
According to Merson, the game will end in Everton’s narrow 1-0 win.
“I have to say this is a cup final – I don’t see it any other way! If Everton lose again, that would be three defeats in a row for them. Let’s be honest, Bournemouth is a team they would’ve expected to be taking points from in the first place. Everton also face Aston Villa after the international break, so it’s important they turn things around this weekend,” Merson predicted.
“The major concern for Everton at the moment is the amount of goals they’re leaking. They have conceded the most goals (7) after the first two matches and are rooted to the bottom of the table. But on a positive note, their fixtures look much better after the game against Villa and a little bit of momentum could go a long way in their fight to stay in the top-flight. If Everton are still in the bottom-three by the end of October, I can’t see them avoiding relegation.
“Bournemouth have done quite well so far. I thought they should’ve beaten Newcastle in the last game and were unlucky to concede the equaliser. They have signed Evanilson from Porto, but I doubt he can replicate the numbers produced by Dominic Solanke. The league in England is a higher level and he could struggle to fill the void left by the former Liverpool and Chelsea star.
“I don’t want to go against Everton. It’s their cup final and I don’t expect them to lose this must-win game.”