For the first time in seven seasons, the Wolverhampton Wanderers are back in the Premier League. This will be Wolverhampton’s fifth season in the Premier League altogether, and the club is looking to make this promotion stick for a while. Wolves were down in the third division of English football just a few years ago, but they dominated the Championship last year in order to earn promotion. They open this campaign at home against an Everton team that is aiming to stop a slow decline.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 11, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on NBC.
English Premier League Betting at BookMaker.eu
Everton +222
Wolverhampton +128
Draw +222
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
Odds Analysis
Everton were once seen as one of the Big Five clubs in English football, and they were one of the teams that came together in order to form the Premier League. However, the Toffees have fallen on hard times recently and have been surpassed by many of the other clubs in England. They have not finished in the top five for four straight seasons, and they have failed to make it into European competition during that stretch too.
Wolves would love to stay up and survive before next season’s financial windfall comes. Wolverhampton’s owner has spent big this offseason to try to ensure the club survives, and a win over Everton in the season opener would send a message to the rest of the Premier League.
Key Injuries
Wolverhampton are one of a handful teams with no injuries to report at the start of the season. The club didn’t have anyone take part in the World Cup this summer, and that has allowed the team to stay fresh.
The Toffees have a long-term injury of note in midfielder James McCarthy. McCarthy suffered a double leg fracture in January of this year, and he is still on the mend. Fullback Mason Holgate has been ruled out for this match as well, as he is dealing with tendonitis in his Achilles tendon. Everton has a little hope that midfielder Beni Baningime will be ready soon, but he is considered doubtful because of a lingering ankle injury.
Everton’s biggest concern heading into this match though is goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Pickford was England’s goalkeeper during their run to the World Cup semifinals, and he played very well for much of that stretch. He is banged up and listed as probable for this match, but there are big clubs looking to acquire him and one might pull the trigger in the next couple weeks. He is considered probable to play in this match after taking some time off following the World Cup.
Offseason Additions
This summer, Everton made some waves by acquiring winger Richarlison from Watford and left back Lucas Digne from Barcelona. The two transfers cost the club over 50 million pounds combined, but it will be worth the investment if the Toffees finish in the top six. There is a lot of optimism regarding Richarlison’s potential, and he will look to light a fire under the Toffees.
Wolverhampton has made some news of its own. Wolves broke their own transfer record by acquiring Adama Traore from Middlesbrough yesterday, and he is likely to find a place in the starting eleven pretty quickly. He will be joined by left winger Diego Jota from Atletico Madrid, center back Willy Boly from Porto, and Benik Afobe from Bournemouth. Wolves spent over 10 million pounds on each player and are hungry for results.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Everton makes a lot of sense in this spot. The Toffees are a more seasoned club that won’t have much fear of going on the road against a newly promoted team, while Wolves are going to need time to come together. Additionally, nerves may play a factor for many Wolverhampton players in their first Premier League match in some time. As long as Pickford plays, I’ll take my chances with the Toffees.
English Premier League Odds: Everton 1, Wolverhampton 0
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