Everton vs Burnley. Premier League.
Goodison ParkAttendance38,448.
Sunday 1 October 2017 13:12, UK
Everton will look to reverse their indifferent start to the Premier League season when Burnley visit Goodison Park, live on Super Sunday on Sky Sports PL from 1.30pm.
Ronald Koeman admitted his team looked "scared" during their disappointing 2-2 draw with Apollon in the Europa League on Thursday. Back in the Premier League, despite making significant investment in the summer Everton have taken just seven points from their opening six games.
However, Everton have won 11 of their last 13 Premier League home games in 2017 (L2) - no other top-flight side has won more at home.
Burnley won't be fazed by their trip to Goodison Park after taking nine points from their first half dozen matches. Five of those points have come on the road, including a victory at Chelsea and a draw at Wembley with Tottenham.
Everton will assess centre-backs Michael Keane (foot) and Phil Jagielka (hamstring).
Oumar Niasse, who has netted three times in his last two appearances, is set to return having missed the Europa League draw with Apollon Limassol on Thursday as he was not included in the Toffees' squad for the group stage of the competition.
Wayne Rooney injured his hand in that match but, with a subsequent scan showing no fracture, has been passed fit to play on Sunday, while boss Koeman has said James McCarthy (knee) needs Under-23s game time before he makes his first-team comeback.
Burnley duo Jon Walters and Nahki Wells will again sit out.
Walters continues to struggle with a knee problem while Wells is yet to make his debut for the Clarets because of an ankle injury but is now working with the squad.
The same is true of midfielder Dean Marney, who has been sidelined since January after rupturing knee ligaments.
Everton will have to be very patient against Burnley. I watched Burnley the other day and I was left wondering how they beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and drew with Spurs and Liverpool, because they never really looked like scoring against Huddersfield.
I thought they were poor but then again they do a job. Last season Burnley were excellent at home but this season it seems to have reversed and it's their away form that has been impressive. That being said, if Everton can remain patient I think they will break Burnley down eventually to pick up another home win.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (6/1 with Sky Bet)
Everton are Sky Bet's 4/6 favourites with Burnley priced at 9/2 while the draw is a 13/5 chance.
The bookmakers struggle to pick a main threat from Koeman's attacking options, with Wayne Rooney, Oumar Niasse, Dominic Calvert-Lewis and Sandro Ramirez all priced at 4/1 in the first goalscorer betting. Chris Wood is considered the visitors' main threat at 13/2 to score first and 9/4 to net anytime.
