Statistical Betting Preview: Everton vs Tottenham

Everton host Tottenham in a mouthwatering clash at Goodison Park, with both teams looking to pick up points against one of their contenders for a European spot.

- Romelu Lukaku scored the first goal on Saturday, and proved to be a thorn in Villa’s side all afternoon. In addition to his impressive work-rate, Lukaku was a menace in front of goal, taking 4 shots and hitting the target in an impressive 75% of them.

- James McCarthy is a new arrival on Merseyside, joining Everton from Wigan on transfer deadline day. He has made an impressive start to life at Goodison Park, with his excellent passing ability suiting Roberto Martinez’ poession-based style of play perfectly. Against Villa, however, he demonstrated his ability to do the dirty work too as he completed 8 tackles – the third most in the league.

- Former England manager Fabio Capello referred to Phil Jagielka as ‘The General’ during his tenure in charge of the national team, and he demonstrated his outstanding ability to marshal the defence against Aston Villa. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index demonstrates that the former Sheffield United man completed 14 clearances against Villa – the second most in the league.

- There aren’t many criticisms that can be leveled at Toffee left back Leighton Baines, but occasionally his defensive ability has been questioned. This season, however, the former Wigan man has made a mockery of this criticisms – as he has completed 89% of his tackles this term. Considering Baines’ outstanding ability from set pieces, it is surprising to see that 888sport.com have him at 18/1 to score the first goal of the game on Sunday.

- A Roberto Soldado penalty handed Spurs the three points against Hull.

- Spurs struggled to break Hull down on Sunday, but the man of the moment Andros Townsend was still causing havoc with his marauding runs down the right flank. Townsend completed 8 dribbles against the Tigers – more than anyone else in the league.

- Lewis Holtby played 60 minutes against Hull, but in this time he demonstrated his ability to thread a pass. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he managed to complete a pass in Hull’s at half every 1.5 minutes.

- Kyle Walker’s battle with Glen Johnson for England’s number 2 shirt is one that will excite England fans, as both will be desperate to hold the jersey by the time the World Cup comes around. Kyle Walker’s offensive ability may just get him the nod – with the former Sheffield United man making 44 defensive contributions on Saturday (based on crosses, passes in the opposition half, shots and dribbles). This was the second most of any defender in the league.

- Paulinho has made an impressive start to life on White Hart Lane, becoming a mainstay of the Tottenham midfield. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index highlights that the Brazilian has been contributing at both ends of the pitch, registering the most shots for Spurs this season, in addition to completing the most tackles. You can find Paulinho at 23/2 888sport.com to score the final goal on Sunday.