On paper, this fixture was meant to be even. Same ambitions back in August, similar expectations. The reality in January is different, and the mood around these two sides couldn’t be further apart.
2) What’s really at stake
Everton is playing from a place of urgency. Recent results have tightened everything, especially at Goodison. Wolves arrive without that weight. Their season has settled, performances have stabilised, and they’re playing with far less internal pressure.
3) Team snapshot
Everton’s recent form has taken a hit, particularly at home. Performances have been flat, confidence in the ball has dipped, and they’ve struggled to control games after conceding first. The last home outing was a clear step backwards, both in intensity and organisation.
Wolverhampton comes into this in a very different rhythm. Recent league games show a team that is harder to break down and far more efficient when chances appear. Away from home, they’ve been competitive, scoring regularly and limiting opponents to fewer clear looks than earlier in the season.
4) The matchup that matters
This game hinges on who handles frustration better. Everton needs to impose itself, but that’s exactly when their structure tends to loosen. Wolves are comfortable sitting in that grey area, letting the game stretch, and picking moments to attack space rather than dominate the ball.
5) My read of the game
Everton tries to start fast, but impatience creeps in if the breakthrough doesn’t come. Wolves stay compact, ride out early pressure, and grow more dangerous as the match opens up. Over 90 minutes, this feels like a game that Everton struggles to truly control.
6) Why the market is wrong
Home advantage is doing a lot of the work in the pricing. But recent form points the other way. When one team is doubting itself, and the other is quietly aligned with how it wants to play, the underdog often carries more protection than the odds suggest.
7) The uncomfortable risks
Everton can still force a result through physicality or a moment from a set piece. Wolves don’t always convert dominance into wins, which keeps the draw very alive.
8) Final call
Pick: Wolverhampton double chance
Prediction: Wolves stay composed, exploit Everton’s uncertainty, and avoid defeat
