A Battle of Wits as Tottenham and Everton are Similar

The personnel between both Tottenham and Everton are obviously different, quality-wise and their roles, but how the two managers set their sides up to compete is eerily similar.

Ronald Koeman and Mauricio Pochettino both incorporate a high-pressing scheme where they want their players to quickly close down attackers and win the ball.

As soon as the ball is in their possession, it’s all about transitioning to attack in a matter of seconds. Barely giving the opposition time to set up defensively.

Speaking to reporters during his press conference, Koeman talked about how Sunday’s match between Spurs and Everton would be a good match due to both sides similarities.

"“There are many reasons to expect a good game of football,” Ronald Koeman said.“The way that Tottenham like to play and the way we like to play means that it will be a good game because both sides are offensive, like to dominate the game and like to press.”“I think what we do is similar to what they do on the pitch.”“We like to make it difficult for the opposition from the start of the game, showing aggression and quality on the ball. That is one of the big strengths of Tottenham as well.”“They have good players like Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli between the lines and very offensive full-backs, but then we have the same.”“Maybe the best thing Spurs do, which we try to do as well, is the fast reaction after losing the ball – they don’t give you time to play the ball easily if you win the ball off them, they fight straight away to get it back.”"

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With an unbeaten home record on the line at White Hart Lane, and 10 points behind Chelsea, Spurs need yet another home win to continue chipping away at the Blues’ lead.

To win 11 times and draw twice in 13 home matches, Spurs will be looking to add win number 12 while also continuing to outscore their opponents and not concede any goals in the process.

The home statistics heavily favor Spurs but for Mauricio Pochettino he prefers to look at what’s in front of him and not what is happening around his side.

It’s why Pochettino quickly brushed away the possibility of Spurs winning their ninth consecutive home match at White Hart Lane.

"“All we’re trying to do is win the next game,” Pochettino stated.“Maybe in the future we’ll say ‘what a good run’ but today, we need to focus on the next day, to win the next game and to keep our position in the table. That’s our challenge.”“Everton are doing well, they have very good players and it’s a tough game for us.”“The style of Everton is to play football along the grass and they are [a] very dynamic team, I’m sure it will be an open game.”"

With Everton being unbeaten in nine Premier League fixtures, and currently riding a great run of form, having won six matches and drawing three, they’re a major threat to potentially upset Spurs at White Hart Lane.

Or at least draw for the fourth consecutive time after three previous draws.

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Tottenham on the other hand are coming off of an impressive 4-0 demolition of Stoke.

Spurs have returned to a back three but could be undermanned tomorrow with Harry Kane, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen possibly missing out.

This will be a good match for everyone involved with the result going either way, though the slight advantage should go towards Spurs due to them being the home side.