Everton, Bournemouth Prepare for Tight Premier League Battle

LIVERPOOL (Azat TV) – Everton is set to host AFC Bournemouth today, February 10, 2026, at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool for a crucial Premier League fixture. The match pits two in-form teams against each other, both enjoying five-game unbeaten streaks, as they vie for higher positions in the league table and push for top-half finishes. Live coverage of the highly anticipated match is available on Peacock, with kick-off scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET.

David Moyes’ Everton side, currently eighth in the standings with 37 points from 25 matches, enters the game with significant momentum. Their recent five-match unbeaten run, comprising two wins and three draws, has effectively quelled any lingering relegation concerns, allowing the Toffees to focus on securing a strong finish to the season. A victory against Bournemouth could see them surpass local rivals Liverpool in the league table and bring them within six points of a coveted top-five spot. Despite their overall strong form, Everton has faced challenges at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium, having won only a third of their home games, alongside four ties and four defeats.

High Stakes at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Hill Dickinson Stadium in Vauxhall, Liverpool, is the backdrop for this critical encounter. Everton’s aspirations extend beyond merely avoiding relegation; they are now firmly in contention for European qualification, a testament to their recent resurgence. Their defensive solidity has been a hallmark, conceding only 16 goals in 12 home games while scoring 15. However, they have shown a tendency to concede the opening goal, doing so in four of their last four EPL games, and have trailed at halftime in 50% of their home fixtures this season. This vulnerability could be exploited by Bournemouth.

Meanwhile, Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth, positioned 11th with 34 points, is also experiencing a remarkable turnaround. After a challenging autumn period that saw them fall out of European contention, the Cherries have recovered impressively, securing 11 points from their last available 15. This includes significant victories over Tottenham and Liverpool, alongside a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa. A win today would draw them level on points with Everton, further solidifying their status as top-half hopefuls and potentially reigniting their European ambitions.

Formidable Streaks Define Everton, Bournemouth Clash

Both teams arrive with impressive recent form, creating a compelling narrative for this Premier League clash. Everton’s five-game unbeaten run is a clear indicator of their improved stability under Moyes. Their ability to restrict attacking teams, as demonstrated by holding Albion to just 1.44 xG and keeping a clean sheet against Aston Villa, highlights their defensive resilience.

Bournemouth’s recent run is equally notable, showcasing their capacity to secure points even away from home. Despite averaging just 0.92 points and conceding a staggering 30 goals in 12 away matches this season, they have proven difficult to defeat on the road, having drawn 42% of those fixtures. The Cherries have also been prolific in scoring away from home, netting 17 goals in 12 games and finding the net in 92% of their away matches.

Key Absences and Tactical Outlook for Everton vs Bournemouth

Player availability will play a significant role in the tactical approaches of both managers. Everton will be without key creative player Jack Grealish, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to ankle surgery. Grealish, on loan, has been a vital contributor with eight goals and assists in 17 appearances, and his absence will necessitate new offensive strategies from Moyes. Everton’s probable lineup includes Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, George; and Barry.

Bournemouth faces a more extensive injury list, with Marcus Tavernier (thigh), Justin Kluivert (knee), Tyler Adams (knee), Ben Gannon-Doak (hamstring), Matai Akinbmoni (muscular), and Julio Soler (unspecified) all out. Despite these setbacks, Iraola’s men have continued to perform, with players like Rayan, Adli, Kroupi, and Evanilson expected to test Everton’s relatively slow defense. Bournemouth’s expected lineup features Petrovic; Jimenez, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Scott, Christie; Adli, Toth, Rayan; and Evanilson.

Expert Predictions Point to Tightly Contested Draw

Given the strong form of both sides and their respective strengths and weaknesses, many analysts are predicting a closely fought contest. The most common prediction for the Everton vs. Bournemouth match is a draw, with a scoreline of 1-1 frequently cited. This outcome is supported by statistical trends, as 37.50% of Everton’s home matches and Bournemouth’s away games have historically resulted in ties. Betting markets, while initially underestimating this probability, now reflect a growing consensus for a stalemate.

Furthermore, there is a strong expectation for Bournemouth to score the first goal. The Cherries have opened the scoring in their last three away games, including challenging trips to Chelsea and Brighton, and have scored first in 58% of their away matches this season. Conversely, Everton has conceded the first goal in their last four EPL outings. Despite Bournemouth’s offensive prowess on the road, a low-scoring affair is also anticipated, with predictions leaning towards Under 2.5 goals. Everton’s defensive discipline, particularly their tall and aerially dominant backline, is expected to prevent the match from becoming the high-tempo, end-to-end game that Bournemouth typically prefers.

The confluence of both teams’ strong defensive records and key offensive absences suggests that this Premier League fixture is poised to be a tactical battle where neither side is likely to achieve a decisive victory, underscoring the parity in their current form.