Ben & Rob's preview - Everton

It's the first Premier League match of the Antonio Conte era - and what is always a belter against Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday (2pm).

It's a match-up that has produced 23 goals in the last four meetings on the blue half of Merseyside! Step up then, N17 Live presenter Ben Haines and Club commentator Rob Daly...

Oh what a night...

Well, it all happened in Antonio's first game in charge against Vitesse in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday evening - five goals, three red cards and, crucially, a 3-2 win. What did the chaps make of it all?

Rob: "I didn’t necessarily think Antonio would learn much from the game, but in some ways it was a perfect representation of where Spurs are right now. A very talented group of players that can do special things, like score three goals in 30 minutes, but that is also clearly low on confidence. On the game itself - completely bonkers! Five goals and three red cards - a crazy game, as Antonio said, and not the kind of match he likes. But the players scrapped and got the win. Overall - coupled with the positive energy and fine reception for the new Head Coach - it was fun wasn’t it?"

Ben: "It felt like we gave Antonio the full array of what it is to be Spurs, but what an occasion all the same! I enjoyed the three at the back, I enjoyed the fact we started on the front foot. I also enjoyed Hugo Lloris' worldie save which seems to have got lost a little amongst all the excitement. Having said that, I’m hoping for a little bit more control at Everton. All in all though, Rob's right, it was brilliant fun!"

Sunday showdown

Everton, Goodison Park, Antonio Conte v Rafa Benitez - what are your thoughts on Sunday?

Rob: "It's been a mixed start for Benitez at Everton. To be honest, I’m glad he’s back in the Premier League. I spent a few hours with him for an interview earlier this season after he’d just come back from China and he was a gentleman and fascinating to chat to. He was openly desperate to get back in to English football - not that I expected to see him pop up at Goodison! They’re at their best breaking forward at pace. I’ve been so impressed with Demari Gray and Andros Townsend’s impact. They were superb in the draw at United. But the Wolves loss on Monday (2-1) was a poor performance. They fought back but made numerous defensive errors in that game. We say it every week - aggressive, front foot work off the ball could pay dividends."

Ben: "Everton have been a really interesting watch this season, at times brilliant - particularly against Man United, where they should have won, and against Burnley (3-1) - yet at times very off it, particularly in the recent Watford game (5-2 home loss). It’s been a joy watching Andros at his very best though hasn’t it? I loved him at Spurs, so pacy and direct with that brilliant left foot. Everton will likely have Richarlison up top with Dominic Calvert Lewin still out, which suits us better, I think. Everton will likely want the game to be attritional and cagey, I can’t imagine Antonio or the Spurs players will want that. As for Spurs fans, we're still on such a high we’re ready to see the boys fly out of the traps and dominate early on."

Random question

Goodison Park is one of the great traditional stadiums of English football - where is your favourite away ground?

Rob: "I love the walk along the Thames to Craven Cottage and going to Fulham, but they’re not Premier League at the moment. From a commentator's point of view, working at Anfield is special, but if I had to pick one away day, I might actually go for Crystal Palace - an old school ground, great atmosphere, good pubs nearby and not too long a journey home!"

Ben: "I love this question, but I always feel like my favourite Premier League away day is linked to whether or not I’ve watched us win there! I used to love going to Upton Park because it felt like such a hostile atmosphere - bubbles aside - Fulham is great too, I’ve also loved going to the Etihad recently - but I think my number one is actually Everton. It’s the first-ever Spurs away game I went to... I was five, and Gary Speed decided to break my heart with a brilliant diving header to win it 1-0 for them. The stadium is actually quite similar to the old White Hart Lane, and being situated right in amongst the community is really special! It's a long trip home though... usually it goes a lot faster after a win, so no pressure Antonio!"

Rob: "Goodison and Upton Park were on my shortlist, Ben!"

Ben: "I genuinely wore my entire kit with shinpads to that first one when I was five. I think I thought Gerry Francis might be short of players and would need a super sub!"