Everton vs Wolverhampton Prediction, Match Preview, Wednesday, 7 January

Everton will face Wolverhampton in a Premier League clash at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Wednesday, 7 January. Both teams are eager to make a significant impact in the league standings, with Everton aiming to capitalise on their home advantage. This match is crucial for Everton as they look to climb the league table and secure a stronger position in the Premier League.

Wolverhampton, meanwhile, will be keen to challenge Everton on their home turf and gain valuable points. With both sides having much at stake, this encounter promises to be competitive and engaging. Hill Dickinson Stadium will provide the backdrop for this exciting Premier League fixture, where fans can expect a display of tactical prowess and determination from both teams.

Everton vs Wolverhampton Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Everton to Win	1.76

Given the recent form and confidence levels of both teams, I am leaning towards an Everton victory here. Everton have shown impressive resilience and attacking strength with their recent unbeaten run, including a notable 2-0 win over Brighton and a Carabao Cup triumph. In contrast, Wolves are on a downward spiral with four consecutive losses and a shaky defence, conceding ten goals in their last three home games. With Everton’s growing momentum and Wolves’ struggles, backing Everton to win at odds of 1.90 offers good value.

• Everton are unbeaten in their last two matches, demonstrating strong form and confidence.
• Wolves have lost their last four games, highlighting defensive weaknesses and low morale.
• Head-to-head statistics favour Everton, who won their last league encounter 3-2 and remain difficult to beat at home.

Betting Odds

Everton enter this Premier League clash as favourites, with betting odds of 1.76 reflecting their strong home advantage at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Wolverhampton, on the other hand, are considered underdogs at 4.88, but their potential to cause an upset should not be underestimated.

Betting Tip	Odds
Everton to win	1.76
Draw	3.52
Wolverhampton to win	4.88

The draw is priced at 3.52, indicating that bookmakers expect a closely fought contest. For those considering a wager, the over 2.5 goals market could be worth exploring, given both teams’ recent attacking displays.

Everton Analysis & Past Performance

Everton’s recent form has been inconsistent, with just one win in their last five matches. Their latest outing ended in a 2-4 home defeat against Brentford, exposing defensive vulnerabilities. They have averaged 0.80 goals scored per game and conceded an average of 1.40 over the last five fixtures, highlighting a lack of defensive solidity.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Everton	Brentford	2 – 4 (Loss)	Premier League	4 Jan 2026
Nottingham Forest	Everton	0 – 2 (Win)	Premier League	30 Dec 2025
Burnley	Everton	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	27 Dec 2025
Everton	Arsenal	0 – 1 (Loss)	Premier League	20 Dec 2025
Chelsea	Everton	2 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• LWDLL

Despite a challenging period, Everton have managed two clean sheets in their last five games, showing glimpses of defensive capability. However, inconsistency remains an issue, as they have only scored in two of these matches. At home, they have secured two wins but suffered three losses, resulting in a home win ratio of 40%. Everton currently sit 12th in the league table with 28 points, reflecting a mid-to-lower table standing. Key player Iliman Ndiaye, with four goals this season, remains a crucial part of their attack.

Everton Suspensions & Injuries

Everton are facing a challenging situation with several key players sidelined due to injury. Jarrad Branthwaite and Seamus Coleman are both out with hamstring injuries, expected to return by mid-January 2026. Their absence could leave a gap in the defensive line, impacting Everton’s ability to maintain a solid back four. As experienced defenders, their unavailability disrupts the defensive stability and depth that manager David Moyes relies on.

The midfield is also affected by the absence of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. His energy and passing ability will be missed, potentially requiring tactical adjustments to maintain midfield control. Carlos Alcaraz’s muscle injury means Everton lack another versatile midfielder, which could force Moyes to rely more heavily on James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam to fill the creative void.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Jarrad Branthwaite	Hamstring Injury	Mid January 2026
Seamus Coleman	Hamstring Injury	Mid January 2026
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall	Hamstring Injury	Mid January 2026
Carlos Alcaraz	Muscle Injury	Mid January 2026

These injuries necessitate tactical adjustments, possibly leading to a more conservative approach to ensure defensive solidity. Everton may need to depend on squad rotation to manage these absences effectively. The unavailability of key players could also impact betting markets, as the team’s recent form might be questioned without these regular starters. The depth of the squad will be tested, and Everton’s ability to adapt could be crucial in determining the match outcome.

Everton Key Players

Iliman Ndiaye stands out as Everton’s top scorer with four goals this season, demonstrating his knack for finding the back of the net. His ability to exploit spaces and finish clinically will be vital against Wolverhampton. Ndiaye’s presence adds a dynamic edge to Everton’s forward line, where he combines well with Thierno Barry, the expected lone striker. Barry’s physical prowess and hold-up play can create opportunities for Ndiaye and others to capitalise on.

In midfield, Jack Grealish is expected to be the playmaker, orchestrating attacks with his vision and dribbling skills. His role will be crucial in breaking down Wolverhampton’s defensive lines. Alongside him, Dwight McNeil provides width and crossing ability, which can be pivotal in stretching the opposition’s defence. Defensively, James Tarkowski’s leadership and aerial ability will be key in organising Everton’s backline, especially against set-pieces.

Expected lineup for Everton:

• Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
• Defenders: Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Vitaliy Mykolenko
• Midfielders: Tim Iroegbunam, James Garner, Tyler Dibling, Dwight McNeil, Jack Grealish
• Forward: Thierno Barry

Everton Tactics and Formation

Everton Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Thierno Barry
• Midfield Pivot: Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner
• Defensive Strength: Struggled defensively, conceding 7 goals in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Creativity through Jack Grealish and pace on the wings.

Everton’s typical 4-2-3-1 formation under David Moyes allows for a blend of defensive solidity and attacking creativity. Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner form the midfield pivot, tasked with breaking up opposition play and distributing the ball efficiently to the attacking players.

In the attacking third, Jack Grealish operates as the central playmaker, using his vision and dribbling skills to unlock defences. Flanked by Dwight McNeil and Tyler Dibling, Everton aim to exploit the flanks with pace and width, providing crosses for Thierno Barry, the target man up front.

Defensively, Everton have faced challenges, conceding 7 goals in their last five matches. The central defensive partnership of James Tarkowski and Michael Keane needs to improve coordination to maintain clean sheets. The absence of Seamus Coleman and Jarrad Branthwaite due to injury could necessitate tactical adjustments in the backline.

Wolverhampton Analysis & Past Performance

Wolverhampton’s recent form has been mixed, with only one win in their last five Premier League matches. This victory came against West Ham with a comfortable 3-0 scoreline, highlighting their potential for a strong performance. However, prior to that, they struggled with defeats to Liverpool (2-1) and Arsenal (2-1), as well as a draw with Manchester United (1-1).

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Wolverhampton	West Ham	3 – 0 (Win)	Premier League	3 Jan 2026
Manchester United	Wolverhampton	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	30 Dec 2025
Liverpool	Wolverhampton	2 – 1 (Loss)	Premier League	27 Dec 2025
Wolverhampton	Brentford	0 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	20 Dec 2025
Arsenal	Wolverhampton	2 – 1 (Loss)	Premier League	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Despite their struggles, Wolverhampton have shown they can score, averaging 1.20 goals per game in their last five outings. However, defensively, they have been less impressive, conceding an average of 1.40 goals per match. Their inability to secure clean sheets, with only one in their last five games, has affected their league position, currently at the bottom of the table.

Away Performance:
Wolverhampton’s away form has been particularly concerning, as they have failed to register a win in ten away matches this season, drawing twice and losing eight. This lack of success on the road has contributed to their precarious league standing, requiring significant improvement to climb the table.

Key Insights:

• WDLLL

Their top scorer, Hee-Chan Hwang, has managed to score twice, but the team’s overall attacking output remains limited. Wolverhampton’s strengths lie in their occasional ability to surprise stronger opponents, as seen in their draw with Manchester United, but their defensive frailties urgently need addressing.

Wolverhampton Suspensions & Injuries

Wolverhampton’s current injury list could significantly impact their tactical setup against Everton. The absence of Rodrigo Gomes due to a groin injury until early February limits their creative options in midfield. Similarly, the unavailability of Marshall Munetsi and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, both sidelined until mid to late January, forces coach Rob Edwards to consider alternatives in central positions. Toti Gomes’ hamstring injury, also expected to heal by mid-January, further depletes defensive resources.

Wolverhampton’s starting lineup remains largely intact, with key players such as José Sá, Yerson Mosquera, and Hee-Chan Hwang available. However, the bench may lack depth, particularly in the midfield and defensive areas, where injuries have struck hardest. This situation may compel Rob Edwards to rely on younger or less experienced players to step up.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Leon Chiwome	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid-January 2026
Rodrigo Gomes	Groin injury	Early February 2026
Daniel Bentley	Ankle injury	Mid-January 2026
Marshall Munetsi	Calf injury	Mid-January 2026
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde	Hamstring injury	Late January 2026
Toti Gomes	Hamstring injury	Mid-January 2026

Tactical adjustments may see Wolverhampton adopt a more conservative approach, possibly reinforcing their defensive lines to compensate for the lack of midfield creativity. This could impact their attacking dynamics, as they might prioritise solidity over expansive play to mitigate the risk posed by Everton’s attacking threats.

From a betting perspective, these injuries could tilt predictions slightly in Everton’s favour, given Wolverhampton’s reduced squad depth. Bettors might consider this when evaluating potential outcomes, especially if Wolverhampton opt for a more defensive strategy.

Wolverhampton Key Players

Wolverhampton’s attacking threat is led by their top scorer Hee-Chan Hwang, who has netted two goals this season. Known for his quick feet and ability to find space in tight areas, Hwang will be crucial in breaking through Everton’s defensive lines. His partnership with Tolu Arokodare in the forward line is expected to be a significant threat, as Arokodare’s physical presence complements Hwang’s agility and sharp finishing.

The midfield battle will likely feature João Gomes and Jhon Arias, both instrumental in controlling the pace of the game and creating opportunities. Gomes’s defensive capabilities, combined with Arias’s vision and passing range, could be pivotal in transitioning from defence to attack efficiently. In defence, Yerson Mosquera is expected to lead the backline with his robust tackling and aerial dominance, crucial in neutralising Everton’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Wolverhampton

• Goalkeeper: José Sá
• Defenders: Yerson Mosquera, Santiago Bueno, Ladislav Krejci
• Midfielders: João Gomes, Hugo Bueno, Jackson Tchatchoua, Jhon Arias, Mateus Mane
• Forwards: Tolu Arokodare, Hee-Chan Hwang

Wolverhampton Tactics and Formation

Wolverhampton Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Hee-Chan Hwang
• Midfield Pivot: João Gomes and Hugo Bueno
• Defensive Strength: Clean sheet in the last match
• Notable Strategy: Compact defensive structure and quick counterattacks.

Wolverhampton’s 3-5-2 formation offers a balanced approach between defence and attack. With João Gomes and Hugo Bueno anchoring the midfield, the team aims to maintain a compact shape defensively while transitioning quickly into attack. The wing-backs, Jackson Tchatchoua and Mateus Mane, play crucial roles in supporting both defence and attack.

Defensively, the back three of Yerson Mosquera, Santiago Bueno, and Ladislav Krejci provide a sturdy line, which contributed to their recent clean sheet against West Ham. This setup allows them to absorb pressure while remaining solid against set-pieces.

Offensively, Hee-Chan Hwang, Wolverhampton’s top scorer, is pivotal in their attacking play. Partnered with Tolu Arokodare, they are tasked with converting counterattacks into goals, capitalising on the spaces left by opponents during transitions.

Everton vs Wolverhampton Head-to-Head Record

Everton and Wolverhampton have faced each other 24 times, with Wolves narrowly ahead in the head-to-head record, boasting nine wins to Everton’s eight, alongside seven draws. Their last encounter was in the EFL Cup, where Wolves secured a 2-0 victory.

In their most recent Premier League clash, Everton managed a thrilling 3-2 win away at Wolves. The last time Everton hosted Wolves in the Premier League, they recorded a dominant 4-0 victory, showcasing their potential to perform strongly at home.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	Competition	Date
Wolverhampton Wanderers	Everton	2 – 0	EFL Cup	2025-09-23
Wolverhampton Wanderers	Everton	2 – 3	Premier League	2025-08-30
Wolverhampton Wanderers	Everton	1 – 1	Premier League	2025-03-08
Everton	Wolverhampton Wanderers	4 – 0	Premier League	2024-12-04
Wolverhampton Wanderers	Everton	3 – 0	Premier League	2023-12-30