Match: EFL Cup
Teams: Wolverhampton Wanderers VS Everton
Local Kick-off Time: September 23, 19:45
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Handicap Prediction:
Wolverhampton Wanderers +0.25 (Asian Handicap)
Home Win + Draw (European Odds)
Predicted Scores: 1-0, 1-1, 2-1
Predicted Total Goals: 1, 2, 3
Comprehensive Prediction Analysis:
Wolverhampton Wanderers lost 1-3 to newly-promoted Leeds United in the weekend's league match, ending their excellent historical record against newly-promoted teams. Currently, they are at the bottom of the league with 0 points, and the entire team is under significant psychological pressure, in urgent need of halting the slump. One day before the match against Leeds United, Wolves still renewed their contract with head coach Pereira for 3 years—precisely because he took charge in a crisis last season to successfully avoid relegation and achieved the team's first-ever 6 consecutive Premier League wins in 55 years. With the relegation alarm already sounding, the club remains stable on the whole, which also includes renewing a 5-year contract with starting center-forward Larsen, who has returned from injury. In terms of personnel, starting goalkeeper Sa and center-forward Larsen have returned, and the only injury to a key player is right wing-back Höfler, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Meanwhile, the team's two new signings—Arokodare and Girona defender Krejči, who were brought in on the eve of the transfer deadline—are also ready to make their debuts.
Everton has been in very stable form recently, securing 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in 5 league matches. They also defeated Brighton 2-0 in the debut match at their new home ground, Goodison Park (Note: The original text mentions "Hill Dickinson Stadium," which may be an error; Everton's home ground is traditionally Goodison Park, and if referring to a new stadium, it should be Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium, but the translation follows the original text as "Hill Dickinson Stadium" for accuracy), with Ndiaye scoring a historic first goal there. Their other win came in the league when they overtook their current opponent, Wolves. In the weekend's league match, they lost 0-1 to league leaders Liverpool, but they held their own in the game with back-and-forth action; Grealish orchestrated an attack, Ndiaye crossed the ball, and Gueye fired a shot to pull one back. On-loan signing from Manchester City, Grealish, has become the offensive core since joining, contributing 4 assists in 3 matches in August and playing a significant role in organizing and orchestrating attacks. Midfielder Hall and forward Ndiaye have formed a counter-attacking partnership, and together with Beto's hold-up play, they have quickly integrated into Moyes' tactical system, with their high pressing efficiency ranking among the top in the Premier League. In terms of injuries, only starting center-back Branthwaite, who was injured in the pre-season, remains sidelined—he has resumed training but has not yet played a match.
Summary:
The two teams meet again in today's EFL Cup. The Asian Handicap has gradually given Everton a -0.25 advantage, which is in line with the recent form of both teams, and the handicap has gradually tilted towards Everton, who have performed better. However, it can also be seen that when the two teams faced each other in the league, Wolves were not at a disadvantage at home; a draw in their first meeting this season would be a relatively reasonable outcome. Additionally, given the different public images of the two teams recently, the pressure of public attention on Wolves is the biggest obstacle. Both teams previously fielded semi-strong line-ups in the EFL Cup, and their commitment was far from 100%—their current focus is definitely still on the league. Wolves have no room for further decline, while Everton clearly have more leeway. Considering that Wolves will face Tottenham in their next match, their chances of picking up points are quite slim. In this cup match, facing an opponent of similar strength at home, stabilizing the team's morale is the top priority. Wolves are expected to field more key players and have a higher chance of remaining undefeated within the 90-minute regular time.
