from SportingLife predictors:
Everton v Fulham
Jake Osgathorpe (@JAKEOZZ)
Everton start their season with a home contest against Fulham, and I fancy the Toffees to edge proceedings in vintage Sean Dyche fashion - a narrow, hard fought 1-0 win.
If that is the case, then players of the crisis club will be doing everything they can to keep the scoreline in their favour as the minutes edge by, bringing a bet on
JORDAN PICKFORD TO BE CARDED into the fold.
With the new,
stricter rules introduced to try and stamp out time-wasting of any sorts, Pickford immediately has to be on the radar here, and possibly in every game.
He is a master of 'housery', and also shouting in the referee's direction - both of which will be punished without second though this season.
From across the opening weekend of EFL action, there were eight keepers that found their names in the referee's notebook for timewasting, and in general card numbers were up by a staggering number.
If Premier League refs are to be as stringent in dishing out the cards, then Pickford is a prime candidate in a game they have a great chance of winning. Let's not forget he was cautioned six times in 37 league appearances last season - before the rules were tightened.
Score prediction: Everton 1-0 Fulham (
Sky Bet odds: 13/2)
Odds correct 1230 BST (11/08/23)