(Author: Soorya G)
Two struggling teams will meet in the last match of this Premier League season. Tottenham Hotspur play their first game without manager Antonio Conte, who left the club by mutual agreement. Meanwhile, Sean Dyche’s Everton are looking to build on their recent performances, as the threat of relegation still looms large.
At Tottenham, Christian Stellini has also left the reins of the squad, which will be led by an interim coach until the end of the season. Ryan Mason, who had a similar responsibility a few seasons ago after legendary coach José Mourinho was sacked, will be Stellini’s replacement. The Londoners will be looking for a new manager at the end of the season. Some important players could also leave the club in the summer, according to reports.
Antonio Conte, who has done a reasonably good job at the north London club, was visibly irritated by his team’s performance against relegation candidates Southampton. Conte’s men blew a two-goal lead in the last 15 minutes against the Saints, leading to a frustrating 3-3 result for the Italian coach. Conte was furious at the press conference, criticizing the players for their “lazy” performance. He criticized the mentality of the players and also added that the club as a whole lacked a winning temperament.
Conte would also go after the owners, most notably Daniel Levy, saying that the fact the club hadn’t worked out even eight years after the takeover spoke volumes about the ownership of the club. Soon after Conte’s outburst, his resignation was announced, with Stellini taking over. Although many suggested that the club could keep him until the end of the season due to his vast experience, especially with Champions League places at stake, the club had other intentions. Now, the names of former manager Mauricio Pochettino and sacked Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann are being sounded out to take over at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Everton have been in good form of late, unbeaten in their last three games, including a win against European opponents Brentford. The Toffees also drew 2-2 against Chelsea and Nottingham Forest. Dyche is hoping for another win on Tuesday to lift himself out of the relegation battle. Everton are currently in 17th place, just two points off the relegation zone. However, three points will mean a jump to 13th place, at least momentarily. The former Burnley boss will be aware of that fact as he enters St. James’ Park.
Team news
Both teams will be dealing with some injury problems, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin struggling with a thigh injury. Spurs will be without some important players, such as Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma and Emerson Royal, who are all out for the game against Everton. Richarlison is also against the clock as he recovers from a muscle strain. Dyche will probably stick to his preferred 4-5-1 formation with Iwobi and McNeil on the wings, with Demarai Gray coming through the middle.
Probable line-up: Everton-Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Tarkowski, Godfrey; Iwobi, Docoure, Gueye, Onana, McNeil; Gray;
Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris; Romero, Dier, Lenglet; Porro, Skipp, Hojbjerg, Perisic; Son, Kulusevski, Kane;
Key players:
Whenever Tottenham are playing, a lot is expected of Harry Kane, given his goalscoring record and remarkable consistency. The Englishman is on course to break the Premier League scoring record with 204 goals. The veteran has 21 goals this season, second only to Erling Haaland. One of Tottenham’s only positives this season, Kane will be the one to watch against the Toffees.
Jordan Pickford has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most prominent goalkeepers, despite playing for an inferior team. A fantastic shot-stopper, Pickford’s performances continued to keep him in the England squad. He’ll have a tough time against a potent Tottenham attack, and will play a key role in the final outcome of the match.
Forecasts:
Kane to score
The Spurs veteran has been in fabulous form for England and Tottenham this season, scoring 21 goals with 10 games still to play. His team expect more of the same from Kane at St.James’ Park.
Onana to impress
The midfielder has been impressive for the Toffees this season. The Belgian has an arrogance far beyond his years and could be vital to Everton’s chances in the game.
Tottenham to win
Although Spurs are going through a slump in performance, the quality of their team is too good not to beat an inferior side like Everton at St. James’ Park.