My Thoughts
David Moyes has once again done an excellent job this season with Everton: FA Cup finalists, firmly established in the top 6, and responsible for one of the signings of the season in Marouane Fellaini (how he wasn't on the shortlist for Young Player of the Year I'm not sure. The only possible reason I can think of is folk not realising he's only 21. I'm going to avoid going into a rant about Aaron Lennon and get back to previewing the game at hand). Mark Hughes, on t'other hand, has faced different pressures to those faced by Moyes, but has done an equally impressive job, with the team's expensive individuals beginning to show signs of forming a cohesive unit, although they are still woefully inconsistent. Their home form is strong (11-0-6), but their away form this season has been a real let-down (1-5-10), which has led to question marks being raised on the contribution away from home of the likes of Robinho. Everton have not lost in their last 8 at Goodison Park, winning their last 4, with City winless in their last 14 Premier League away games. These stats would tend to point to a home win, however Everton looked very tired towards the end of their 0-0 draw (itself a very respectable result, sure to provide a confidence boost ahead of the FA Cup Final), and with this match coming just 3 days after, David Moyes may well be inclined to freshen his side up. However, Everton's squad is one of the smallest in the league, and with Jo and Lars Jacobsen both going off injured against Chelsea, that squad may be stretched even further.
The Verdict
Both these sides will have one eye on 7th placed West Ham. City can still conceivably catch the Hammers and claim Europa League football for next season, while Everton's 8 point lead over Gianfranco Zola's side should be enough to keep them in the top 6. With Everton no doubt having thoughts about the FA Cup final, City may well have a chance to break their awful run away from home this season and claim a result here. Draw
The Bet
Back the draw (best price 5/2 general). Or, for a little bit of extra interest, Robinho, who looks to be rediscovering his form, having found the net against West Brom last week, can be backed at 11/4 with Paddy Power to score anytime. Avoid backing any Everton goalscorers until the team sheets are published, due to the possibility of David Moyes making changes
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