Tottenham Hotspur-Everton Preview

Sean Dyche believes his Everton side are "growing" a "relentless mentality" as their fight against relegation continues with the visit of Tottenham on Monday.

Since replacing the sacked Frank Lampard, Dyche's Toffees have tasted defeat just three times while winning three games, as many as they had in their previous 20 league matches under Lampard, to pull them out of the bottom three.

Dyche's men battled to a 2-2 draw away at Chelsea before the international break and he credits an improvement in mindset for the resurgence, telling reporters: "I think the relentless mentality I've spoken to the group about, something I believe in wholeheartedly, could be seen [against Chelsea].

"I've seen that mentality since I've come to the club and I think it's growing.

"A couple of games have got away from us but we've had a reasonable return of points."

Monday's opponents Spurs have endured a tumultuous international break, with Antonio Conte leaving the club by mutual agreement after a remarkable outburst following the 3-3 draw at Southampton in which he labelled his players "selfish."

Conte's assistant Cristian Stellini is to take charge for the rest of the season, and he is planning to make some adjustments for the final 10 games as Spurs look to achieve Champions League qualification for a second straight campaign.

"We are prepared to make changes in some tactical aspects," Stellini said.

"We want to continue not only in one way but to change details in the game, thinking about the opponents we face.

"The next step is to work hard for the next 10 games. Nothing has to change in my mind. I'm here to help this club."

Everton - Abdoulaye Doucoure

The former Watford man has been directly involved in each of Everton's last four league goals (two goals and two assists). These goal involvements have come in his last three league games having not managed any in his previous 38 Premier League appearances. Can he continue his purple patch against Spurs?

Tottenham - Harry Kane

The 29-year-old has scored 14 Premier League goals against Everton, only netting more against Leicester City (18). He enjoyed a fantastic international break, scoring the opener in England's 2-1 victory at Italy to become the Three Lions' record goalscorer with his 54th before adding another to his tally in the 2-0 win over Ukraine. Now back with Spurs, he will be looking to get on the scoresheet once again at Goodison Park.

The Toffees have won three of their four Premier League games at Goodison Park under Dyche, more than their first 10 home league fixtures of the season, with all three victories coming by a 1-0 scoreline.

But Spurs are unbeaten in their last nine visits to Everton while the Toffees have won just one of the last 20 Premier League meetings between the teams, with Tottenham keeping more clean sheets against them (24) than any other opponents.

Spurs have conceded as many Premier League goals (40) as they did in the whole of last season, but their great record against Everton should give them confidence of once again picking up three points against the Toffees.

Everton - 24.9 per cent

Spurs - 47.4 per cent

Draw - 27.7 per cent

Updated April 1, 2023