Premier League Match Preview – Everton vs. Manchester City

Everton FC are coming off a significant road trip wherein they booked their place in the FA Cup final, upsetting quintuple-chasing Manchester United, and held Chelsea to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge in a fixture that was dubbed a dress rehearsal for the FA Cup final. It is a charmed life for Everton FC and their fans right now but there is no rest for the road weary players as they are still in a scrap with Aston Villa for a fifth place finish in the league.

Everton are a point adrift of fifth placed Aston Villa. Three points at Goodison Park together with a loss or a draw in Aston Villa’s fixture against Bolton will see them climb to fifth place.

Manchester City have flattered to deceive all season long. They have the quality to be a top ten club but mediocre results sees them coasting in the middle of the table. Critics accuse Mark Hughes and his men of underachieving, and some critics go so far as to scathingly accuse them of being content to do so.

For the most part there season is seen as unsuccessful. Their only salvation has been a moderately good home form. Their road results have hurt them. They do not travel well. They are winless in their last three consecutive away matches (0-1-5 in their last six away matches) and the trend does not seem to be changing. There is no team spirit to speak of and talisman Rubinho has been a letdown for Man City and their fans and needs to improve his form.

Soccer Betting Line:

Everton FC -½ -125 -125 2½ O +110 U -130 1½ O Ev U -130 Draw +235

Manchester City +½ +105 +375 2½ O +110 U -130 1 O +105 U -135 Draw +235

Match Time: 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time Saturday April 25 2009

Venue: Goodison Park, Liverpool

Soccer Betting Verdict: The Toffees will be looking to extend their run of good form at home by beating Man City, who have failed to score in their last three defeats on the road in Premier League action. More importantly, Everton have confidence and they play an inspired game. Man City are in shambles. Their players have no team spirit. Their confidence on the road is low and their key players are not performing. They have a difficult task ahead of them at Goodison Park.

Best Soccer BETS: Everton may be sporting tired legs after the busy week they had but it still does not change the fact that they are red-hot favourites for the win. They will have plenty of desire and spirit to carry them to victory at home. Therefore, they are a good play for the win at -125. Manchester City does not have anything on them and especially with their road ailments, they are seen as long shots for the away victory. In their last five home matches in all competitions, Everton have combined for 14 goals. Therefore, the Over 2.5 goals +110 might be a sound play as well.

Soccer Free Picks: Everton -125| Over 2.5 goals +110