EPL Betting: Everton vs. Birmingham City

Everton FC are having all sorts of problems lately, winning being one of them. They are in the bottom half of the table, perilously close to the danger zone. In spite of these issues, did they not manage to take a point off Chelsea when they held the Blues to a 3:3 draw at the weekend. Go figure.

Everton failed to build on that result in Europe as they lost to Bate Borisov in Europa League action 1:0. This was largely because Coach Moyes fielded a second-tier team knowing that his side had already qualified. So the loss shouldn’t knock a bother out of them and his first team will be well rested for this weekend’s proceedings.

Birmingham City, meanwhile, are flying high after winning their fifth consecutive match and extending their undefeated streak to eight. Would you believe it they are at the top of the form table this week with 16 points hauled in their last six. Who would have thunk promoted side Birmingham would be shaking things up so. As a result of their recent uptick in form, Birmingham are sitting pretty in seventh spot in the league, level on points with Liverpool at 27. I am sure they are liking the view from up there and to continue enjoying their lofty digs they will be looking to continue their impressive form at the expense of a inconsistent Everton.

Soccer Betting Line:

Everton FC -½ -120 -120 2½ O +105 U -125 1½ O +105 U -125 Draw +235
Birmingham City +½ Ev +350 2½ O +105 U -125 ½ O -115 U -105 Draw +235

Match Time: 10:00 AM Eastern Time Sunday December 20, 2009
Venue: Goodison Park

Soccer Betting Verdict: In spite of Birmingham City’s high-flying ways the market doesn’t give them the favourite nod, tipping them instead as the considerable underdogs in this match at +350. If this is a mistake then soccer bettors should pounce on these odds and pound them for everything they are worth. I mean they are undefeated in their last eight matches! The streak is comprised of an undefeated run at home of five and three on the road. Impressive results were a 2:2 draw at Anfield Stadium and a scoreless draw against Man City. They also beat Fulham and Sunderland who are not doing too badly this season. Birmingham is confident and when a side is this confident winning becomes a habit.

Everton have been too inconsistent to be the sure favourites in this match and so I would recommend giving their -120 odds as skip.

In terms of betting on the score, Birmingham have scored in their last six away matches at least once. Therefore, taking the Over ½ -115 for Birmingham team totals is a no brainer.
Everton have scored only three goals in their last five home matches spanning all competitions. In their last six home league matches, they scored eight goals. As such, I think Under 1 ½ -125 for Everton team totals is just about right.