In the opening match of Sunday’s double-header, Everton host Swansea City at Goodison Park. The Toffees have failed to taste victory across their previous four home match-ups, while the Swans are one of two teams that have posted just a solitary win on their travels.
Although Everton tallied seven goals over the last four Gameweeks, they ranked seventh-bottom for attempts (43) and fourth-bottom for shots on target (12). Of greater concern for Roberto Martinez is the fact that his men charted joint-top for goals conceded (eight), fourth for shots inside the box conceded (34), joint-fourth for big chances conceded (six) and joint-second for shots outside the box conceded (30), exposing their vulnerability at the back.
Swansea, meanwhile, have registered the joint-second-fewest attempts (34), second-fewest shots inside the box (34) and second-fewest big chances (two) since Gameweek 19. Furthermore, only Newcastle United have managed fewer goals away from home (five) than the Welsh outfit (eight), which bodes well for Everton’s shut-out prospects. On the defensive front, Swansea have conceded in all but one of their two road fixtures this term.
