Frank Lampard says he will expect ‘the best version’ of Tottenham when Everton travel to North-London on Monday night.
The 43-year-old was full of praise for opposition boss Antonio Conte, and also spoke of his days facing Spurs as a player in Chelsea blue.
“They’re a very good team, full of top end players, brilliantly managed by one of the best coaches that’s out there.
“We all know a lot of their major threats but they’re a strong unit, so we’ll approach it expecting the very strong team that they have.”
“I always enjoyed battles with Tottenham as a Chelsea player, but I have to focus on the job at hand and any of that stuff comes as part of it.”
Lampard will look to build-on Everton’s 2-0 Cup victory over non-League Boreham Wood and will hope to open up a 4-point gap on 18th place Watford with games in hand.
See highlights of Everton’s 2-0 victory over Boreham Wood on Thursday night. (Video courtesy Everton Football Club’s YouTube channel)
The Toffees’ boss is hopeful star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be available, but has ruled out any chance of a Ben Godfrey return.
“I’ve just spoken with him and he [Calvert-Lewin] was very pleased with the session this morning.
“Ben’s getting close, but he won’t make Monday. He should be available next week.”
The former Chelsea star also confirmed that Andre Gomes will be available, along with dynamic winger Demarai Gray, who has recovered from a fever.
The Opposition…
Conte was also complimentary of Lampard and his Everton side, stating that Monday’s game is huge for both managers.
“We know we are facing a good team with a new manager.
“Frank is showing that he can do the job very well, as he proved with Derby County and Chelsea.
“Monday will be a tough game for both teams.”
Tottenham have also been given an injury boost, with midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur and Brazilian winger Lucas Moura both available.
The Italian did however shed doubt over whether Japhet Tanganga would make a return after an on-going knee injury.
The former Chelsea boss was also critical of the medical staff in England, as he remains frustrated with the progress of injured midfielder Oliver Skipp.
“I think it’s a pity.
“I feel the jobs of the doctors and medical department is too easy [in England], because they don’t explain what happens.
“He’s having a problem with a groin pain, and now we have to wait.”
Tottenham will be expected to put things right after their shock extra-time FA Cup exit to Championship side Middlesbrough last week with a win.
Our Prediction: Tottenham 1 Everton 1
Expected Line-ups
Tottenham – Lloris; Romero, Dier, Davies; Doherty, Bentancur, Hojbjerg, Sessegnon; Kulusevski, Kane, Son
Everton – Pickford; Coleman, Holgate, Keane, Kenny; Doucoure, Allan, Van de Beek; Gordon, Richarlison, Gray
H2H (Last 5):
07.11.21 PL Everton 0 Tottenham 0
16.04.21 PL Everton 2 Tottenham 2
10.02.21 FAC Everton 4 Tottenham 4 (EVE 5-4 AET)
13.09.20 PL Tottenham 0 Everton 1
06.07.20 PL Tottenham 1 Everton 0
