Paddy Power Preview: Birmingham vs Everton

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PaddyPower

Player Valuation: £225k



When two wins could take you from bottom of the league up to seventh, it’s still not time to panic. The performance away to Fulham showed that the spirit and confidence is definitely there. All they need now is to start putting the ball in the back of the net, something which they’ve struggled with so far this season. Having Yakubu in the side has helped and he came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock and getting his first goal of the season at Craven Cottage. Even when he is at full match sharpness and scoring again, Everton can’t rely on him as their sole goal source. Arteta, Fellaini, Cahill and Pienaar all need to start chipping in with goals if David Moyes’ side are to start hauling themselves up the table. Right now there’s nowhere else to go.

On a much more positive note, of the six Premier League games Everton have played at St Andrews they’ve won two, drawn three and lost only once, with that defeat coming way back in 2004. In fact that’s the only league defeat Birmingham have inflicted on the Toffees in 25 years. A stat made slightly less impressive by the fact that they’ve only shared a division for seven of those seasons but one loss in 14 games is still pretty impressive. Despite Everton’s league position, the match prices for this game with Fulham at 13/8 and Everton at 17/10, show how close the game is expected to be.

The Toffees showed the necessary attitude and work ethic against Fulham and if they can add a few goals to that performance at St Andrews then that 17/10 is going to look a very good price. Yakubu is improving with each game and is a solid bet at 6/1 to score first and 2/1 to score anytime. As is Cahill at 13/2 and 23/10 respectively. Seamus Coleman has really impressed in an Everton shirt and having scored against Brentford he could be worth a small bet to go raiding down the wing and pop up with a goal. At 25/1 to score first and 10/1 to score in 90 minutes, it’s a punt which pays well.

With only three goals scored in Birmingham’s three home games this season the 0-0 will attract many at 7/1. If you believe that Everton will find their scoring touch then 1-0 at 13/2 and 2-1 at 17/2 look the best bets. The only way is up for David Moyes and his team, a win will see them climb quite a few rungs up the ladder this weekend.

And remember, GrandOldTeam readers can benefit from a free £20 bet!
 
lookin 4ward to it me bigtime, :) be happy with a draw but hopefully we can grab a much needed win just in time for the S***e.. so come on beckford lad get ya shootin boots on.... 2-0 EVERTON..
 
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