Match Overview

Everton welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers in a Premier League fixture that could be decided by fine margins. The hosts have leaned on defensive stability at home, while Wolves seek a response after mixed recent away performances. A cup meeting earlier in the season went Wolves’ way, adding extra interest to the tactical battle. Expect a cautious start and emphasis on control in midfield.

• Fixture: Everton vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
• Competition: Premier League
• Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium (Liverpool, Merseyside)
• Date: 07-01-2026
• Kickoff: 19:30 GMT / 19:30 UTC

Predicted Lineups

Everton

• J. Pickford (Goalkeeper)
• J. Tarkowski (Defender)
• J. O’Brien (Defender)
• V. Mykolenko (Defender)
• N. Patterson (Defender)
• J. Garner (Midfielder)
• T. Iroegbunam (Midfielder)
• J. Grealish (Midfielder)
• I. Gueye (Midfielder)
• T. Barry (Attacker)
• I. Ndiaye (Attacker)

Wolverhampton Wanderers

• S. Johnstone (Goalkeeper)
• L. Krejci (Defender)
• Hugo Bueno (Defender)
• M. Doherty (Defender)
• E. Agbadou (Defender)
• João Gomes (Midfielder)
• André (Midfielder)
• Y. Mosquera (Midfielder)
• Fer López (Midfielder)
• J. Tchatchoua (Attacker)
• J. Arias (Attacker)

Injury & Suspension Report

Everton

None reported.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

None reported.

Head-to-Head

Historically, Everton hold a slight advantage with more wins across a long series of meetings. Recent clashes have often been tight, trending toward lower scorelines around the mid-twos in goals per game. Earlier this season, Wolves won 2-0 in a cup encounter, underlining how slim the margins can be between these sides.

Match Analysis & Prediction

Everton’s recent home form has been built on structure and discipline. With Jordan Pickford marshalling a settled back line featuring J. Tarkowski, J. O’Brien, V. Mykolenko and N. Patterson, they have recorded back-to-back clean sheets. The hosts have also found timely contributions in the final third, scoring six times across their last five home matches. J. Garner’s direct, efficient play supports the front line of T. Barry and I. Ndiaye, while the midfield of J. Grealish, I. Gueye and T. Iroegbunam gives balance out of possession.

Everton and Wolves: key battles and approach

Everton will aim to control territory and limit transitions, an approach that has reduced opponents’ rhythm in similar matchups. Set pieces could be decisive, with the hosts looking to exploit deliveries and second balls. Wolves, meanwhile, are likely to keep a compact shape, target wide channels, and look for quick outlets into J. Tchatchoua and J. Arias.

Wolves’ away record has been uneven, with only three goals across their last five trips and points dropped in several of those games. There were positives in a 1-1 draw at Manchester United, where L. Krejci found the net, and Sam Johnstone’s influence has been notable with six clean sheets in ten away matches. The visitors can rely on an experienced defensive unit of Krejci, Hugo Bueno, M. Doherty and E. Agbadou, with João Gomes, André, Y. Mosquera and Fer López tasked with linking play and controlling transitions.

Given the recent trend of narrow head-to-heads and Everton’s renewed defensive stability, chances may be limited. If the hosts can maintain their structure and capitalize on restarts, they have a path to edge the contest. Wolves’ best route is to keep the game compact and lean on Johnstone’s form while seeking a breakthrough from set pieces or counters.

Prediction: Everton 1-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers.