Paddys Preview: Everton vs Blackpool

After losing three straight games at home Ian Holloway says hes looking forward to a trip to Goodison Park.

Although his side have a better record on the road this season they´ve still lost two of their last three away from Bloomfield Road, with the one win coming against a Liverpool side that was still very much feeling the effects of the Roy Hodgson era. Holloway has insisted he will not revert to defensive tactics and will continue to play open, entertaining football.

This will be good news to David Moyes ears as he´ll be backing his defence to be able to cope with whatever Blackpool can come up with. The Everton midfield will work hard to close down Charlie Adam and prevent him from dictating the play. By doing that, suddenly Blackpool start to lack some of the finesse and fluidity of movement which has seen the Tangerines praised this season. They´ve now lost five of their last six which is a sign of one of two things. Either the players are starting to flag under the added physical and emotional pressure of playing in the Premier League or their opponents are starting to figure them out.

Evertons recent record doesnt look especially impressive either but they have played Spurs, Arsenal and an improving Liverpool in their last four league games, losing only to the Gunners. Tim Cahills return will counteract the disappointment of losing at the Emirates as well as adding more firepower to the Everton attack. Louis Sahas goal may have been off-side but for a striker they all count and the Frenchman is well worth backing at 9/2 to score first, as is the returning Cahill the same price. Seamus Coleman scored in the first meeting between these two sides and with Blackpool likely to leave gaps at the back he may be worth a bet to bomb forward and exploit the visitors defensive frailties with a goal. The young Irishman is 9/2 to score anytime.

Blackpool will still fight to get a result by the pressure of recent results may start to take its toll, they barely had a shot on target against West Ham midweek. If Everton can defend solidly and close down Adam, then they will more than justify their 1/2 match price. It may even be worth taking on Everton -1 at 5/4 a bet which will come in with a scoreline of 2-0 at 13/2.

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