Everton entertain Birmingham today on what is becoming a rarity at Goodison these days - a 3pm Saturday Kick Off. Since being robbed of at least a point (thanks to some inept, possibly corrupt, refereeing during the Merseyside Derby) two weeks ago, Everton have gone on a 3 game winning streak, and Birmingham cant be relishing the trip up the M6 today.

Whilst you could argue that the standard of opponents for Everton's last 3 games havent been particularly high, you can only beat what's put in front of you and Everton have done that against Larissa (H), Derby (A) and Luton (A) scoring 6 goals and conceeding 1. This mini run of form has coincided with the return to fitness of Tim Cahill and its showed just how much Everton have missed him as he's netted twice in these last 3 games. Add to that the return too of Thomas Graveson and James Vaughan and Everton are starting to look like they have a bit more strength and depth in the team - something they have lacked all season.

David Moyes has more options today with his team selection than he's had all season I reckon and it will be interesting to see how the blues line up. Yakubu, Arteta and Yobo all sat out the potential banana skin that was Luton Town away midweek and all will return today I have no doubt. Baines in definatley out and I've heard Stubbs and Pienaar are slight doubts.

Birmingham have struggled away from home this season as Steve Bruce's side have lost their last three away games in all competitions and scored just once in their last five on the road. They did get a morale-boosting 3-2 home win over Wigan Athletic last weekend, though, and held Liverpool to a goalless draw at Anfield three weeks ago. They have lost 6 matches this season but 5 of them by just 1 goal. Today they welcome back striker Forssell and midfielder Djourou and I think they will cause Everton a couple of problems.

Everton have kept 1 clean sheet at Home this season against Boro and in that game Boro had 3 fantastic chances to score, in fact they were the kind of chances that are harder to miss than score. I can see Birmingham scoring a goal today and think Everton will make hard work of this game. A narrow victory (if any) is the call..

Everton may just get the rub of the green today from the ref after the events a fortnight ago and they should win this game as they try to gain ground on the top six, but I dont think it will be easy and besides Everton rarely beat teams by more than a goal or two. Rather than take the home win at around 1.66, I'll take the toffee's to win by 1 goal at much juicier odds.

Good Luck........

Pick : Everton to Win by 1 Goal
Odds : 3.60
Stake : 4 / 10
Bookmaker : Bet365
Match Result :
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