EVERTON and Wolves would both have had aspirations to reach the top half and make a push for European football this season. Instead, their return to action on Boxing Day is a relegation six-pointer.
The return of top flight English football sees two clubs who have managed a combined five wins out of 30 this season in the English Premier League and with Everton one point above the drop zone and Wolves sitting in rock bottom, it's a match neither side can afford to lose.
Everton can perhaps take solace from the fact Wolves have failed to win away from Molineux this season, but Goodison Park is hardly going out in a blaze of glory either before Everton leave their traditional home with just two wins there for Frank Lampard's side in the league.
It's hard to see this looking like a thriller too especially as two of the game's main goal threats – Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the hosts and Diego Costa for the visitors – are out through injury and suspension, although Raul Jimenez is finally back in action for Wolves.
With Everton having scored only 11 goals in 15 games and Wolves a paltry eight, this could be a war of attrition.
How the bookies view it
Everton are the favourites here at 11/8 with SBK. The Black Country outfit are 9/4 with Coral and the draw is 9/4 with bet365.
Recent head to heads
Wolves did the double over Everton last season with a pair of 2-1 and 1–0 wins. The previous season, Everton won both encounters.
Players to watch
Anthony Gordon netted for Everton in their last league win in October against VCrystal Palace and is 10/3 to net in Liverpool with bet365 on Saturday.
As mentioned, Raul Jimenez is back after missing since August and came off the bench to score from the penalty spot in Wolves' midweek Carabao Cup win over Gillingham. He is 7/2 to score against Everton with William Hill.
Anything else catch the eye?
It's next to impossible to make a convincing case for anyone to win here. Everton lost their last three games before the break and have won one game out of their last eight matches.
Wolves are even worse – they have won one solitary league game since September.
With this in mind and given rust and how much is at stake here, the draw is screaming out to be backed.
Neither side can score goals either it seems and it's hard to see where they are going to come from here. Bookies know this though and that's why under 2.5 goals is odds-on. But it's well worth taking bet365's 2/1 on under 1.5 goals though. This is unlikely to be a classic.
This English Premier League match between Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers will be played on Dec 26, 2022 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Everton vs Wolverhampton Wanderers prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
