Everton winger Kevin Mirallas. (Photo : Getty Images)
Contending club Everton FC (1-0-1, 4 points) will try to remain undefeated in the newly-opened 2016-2017 Premier League season as the team squares off against winless side Stoke City FC (0-1-1, 1 point) at their home ground of Goodison Park this Saturday, August 27.
Everton is still unbeaten after two weeks of English top flight competitions following their impressive 1-1 draw with one of this term's title-favorites, Tottenham Hotspur, during their opening game and then followed up by a tough 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns last Saturday, as per BBC Sport.
West Brom netted the opening goal of the match early at the ninth minute with a header from defender Gareth McAuley as the hosts controlled ball possession throughout the first half of play.
New head coach Ronald Koeman's squad managed to finish their disappointing initial 45 minutes with a goal from Belgian winger Kevin Mirallas during the first half stoppage time to level the count at 1-1 entering the break.
The Toffees came out stronger at the restart as Coach Koeman fielded in newcomers Yannick Bolasie and Ashley Williams in the match. The team was then able to score the winner with a header by vice-captain Gareth Barry at the hour mark.
Meanwhile, Stoke City was crushed by powerhouse club Manchester City, 1-4, in its own home field of Bet365 Stadium last Saturday as the team remained winless in two outings, via SkySports.
Spanish striker Bojan was the lone scorer for head coach Mark Hughes's team as he netted a consolation one with a spot kick from 12 yards out at the 49th after the Citizens have already scored twice with a brace from Argentine forward Sergio Agüero.
Newly-acquired City forward Nolito added two goals of his own late in the second half to add to City's score.
Koeman's side is expected to exploit the Potters' current struggles on defense in their match this weekend as the Toffees pull off a second straight win.
The predicted result is a 2-0 victory for Everton.
Everton starting lineup (3-4-2-1 formation): Stekelenburg; Holgate, Jagielka, Funes Mori; McCarthy, Gueye, Barry, Baines; Mirallas, Barkley; Lukaku
Stoke City starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Given; Bardsley, Shawcross, Wollscheid, Pieters; Allen, Whelan, Imbula; Bojan, Diouf, Arnautovic
