Chris Sutton predicts scoreline of Everton v Fulham as ‘exceptional’ player singled out

Chris Sutton predicts scoreline of Everton v Fulham as ‘exceptional’ player singled out

Chris Sutton has predicted Everton to drop points against Fulham on Saturday (26 October) but moots Dwight McNeil to have an impact after an “exceptional” start to the season.

The Blues will host former boss Marco Silva’s Fulham side at Goodison Park, eager to extend the current four-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League after the 2-0 win against Ipswich Town last weekend.

This is in no small part down to McNeil’s resurgence this season – the forward has three goals and three assists in eight appearances thus far.

Sutton has mooted the 24-year-old to have an impact for the Toffees against Fulham in his Premier League predictions for BBC Sport [24 October], but is expecting a draw in a match-up he believes could go either way.

He said: “I don’t like to mention that I said Everton would be fine, but I did.

“After losing their first four games of the season, Sean Dyche’s side are now unbeaten in their past four and climbing the table.

“They are playing like a [Sean] Dyche team too – hardworking and streetwise, but with a bit of quality too. Dwight McNeil is having an exceptional season.

“This is a test for them because Fulham are one of those teams who can beat anyone on their day. They have lost their past two games, against Manchester City and Aston Villa, but they had good spells in both matches.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if either side won it, which is why I am going in the middle with my prediction. Prediction: 1-1.”

Everton are in a good position to beat Fulham at Goodison Park

Even the most optimistic Everton fan would have put all their money on a Cottagers win had this same fixture taken place after the 3-2 loss to Aston Villa.

However, since the defeat at Villa Park, wherein the Toffees threw away a two-goal lead for the second consecutive match, Dyche has engineered a turnaround in fortunes, and his side welcome Fulham to Goodison Park on the weekend on the back of two wins and two draws in the last four outings.

Since reports emerged Dyche could be in line to receive a new long-term contract at the Blues [TEAMtalk], a future that once looked bleak is now full of promise at Goodison Park and lit a fire under the belly of the boss.

Fulham are in a similar position Everton were only a few weeks ago, with the results failing to match the performances in the losses against Manchester City and Aston Villa.

McNeil can be the difference-maker for the Blues this weekend. He has been a revelation since his move to the number 10 position and better yet, Dyche revealed the best is yet to come from his talisman.

The momentum is certainly with Everton and, while supporters will be wary of the appointment of referee John Brooks to officiate the match, it is up to the players to ensure the tie is decided on the pitch and not due to a contentious officiating decision.