Wolves vs Everton tips and predictions: Shock European pretenders eye Premier League hat-trick

Wolverhampton Mario Lemina

Wolves take on Everton in their final game of the calendar year as the early season relegation contenders ponder a European push.

It’s no secret that the situation over at Molineux appeared rather bleak at the start of the campaign.

Then-manager Julen Lopetegui jumped on his bike and pedalled away before a ball was even kicked as he worried over the club’s lack of transfer activity.

Gary O’Neil, fresh from keeping Bournemouth in the Premier League, stepped up to the role and has since flourished.

While Wolves may lack consistency when it comes to picking up victories, one thing you can’t take away from them is their ability to pick up points.

O’Neil’s side have been steadily moving up the standings and a win over Everton could see them end the year inside the top 10.

Should Wolves continue to improve in the second-half of the season, you certainly can’t dismiss a potential push for a Europa Conference League spot.

As things stand, O’Neil’s men are five points adrift of seventh-placed West Ham – a gap which could close by the end of the weekend.

Everton, on the other hand, would be a point above Wolves if not for their 10-point deduction.

The Toffees enter Saturday’s game on the back of three straight defeats across all competitions. Two of those came against tough opposition in Manchester City and Tottenham.

Wolves, who are setting their sights on a hat-trick of wins, are unbeaten against Everton in five meetings.

What’s more, O’Neil’s side are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games at Molineux.

With all that in mind, we’re backing the hosts to continue their fine run. Wolves to win, one goal winning margin and over 2.5 goals are all viable options in the betting market.

Team news

Craig Dawson, Hwang Hee-Chan, Fabio Silva and Boubacar Traore are all doubts for Wolves ahead of Saturday’s game.

Everton, on the other hand, are still without Dele Alli and Idrissa Gueye. The trio of Seamus Coleman, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Ashley Young are doubts.