West Bromwich Albion are Still Rock Bottom – Everton vs. West Bromwich

West Bromwich Albion are still on the butt of the Premier League table and that does not look to be about to change as they make the trek to Goodison Park for their upcoming fixture against a red-hot Everton. West Albion is desperate to win a match. But they can’t seem to buy a win even when they try. They are in the hot seat and the pressure is all on them to show improvement.

By contrast, Everton is secure in their Premier League position, occupying a spot in the top ten. They are sixth, four points shy of Arsenal FC and six points clear of nearest rivals Wigan. They are not in the title race – but who is these days with Manchester United dominating the proceedings convincingly. The flipside though is that without the quest for the title exerting pressure on them they can look forward to their next match with relaxed optimism.

Soccer Betting Line:

Everton FC -1 -130 -220 2½ O -105 U -115 Draw +280

West Bromwich +1 +110 +700 2½ O -105 U -115 Draw +280

Match Time: 07:45 A.M. Eastern Time Saturday 28 February 2009

Soccer Betting Analysis:

Everton FC -220: Everton FC is on a good run of results. They are sixth in the league, four points shy of fifth placed Arsenal FC and six points clear of Wigan Athletic. On the season proper, Everton are 11-8-7 for 41 points.

They are coming off a disappointing stalemate away to Newcastle but more concerning is the injuries they sustained during the match. Playmaker and joint leading goal scorer Mikel Arteta ruptured his knee and he is ruled out for the rest of the season. Prior to the Newcastle meet, they beat Bolton 3:0 at home. They are undefeated nine out of 13 matches at home.

West Brom +700: West Brom season is in a word, abysmal. They have occupied the bottom of the table for some time and with no improvements in sight, it looks like they will continue to hold the dubious honour. Their highlight reel reads excruciatingly; in their last six matches, they are 0-2-4 and on the road, they are 0-3-3. No encouragement at all. In the season proper, they won just six matches, of which only one was on the away. As for the draw, they managed only four – two at home and two on the away.

Soccer Betting Verdict: This season is not a good time to be a West Bromwich fan. (Mind, I don’t suppose there will be any left after all is said and done.) The fact is West Brom are downright abysmal and they are in danger of being demoted. The only way to avoid such a fate would be to do what they have not been able to do up to this point. Win matches. Easier said than done. And with no change in tactics planned, there is no basis on which to expect such a turn of events.

Some sports bettors point to Everton’s injury problems as an edge for West Brom. But I ask you, how are they supposed to capitalize on such an edge, which is slim at best, if they lack an essential ingredient – confidence? West Brom beat Everton. Ha! Let us call it what it is – a pipedream. Even a weakened Everton should have no trouble against West Brom.

Soccer Free Picks: Everton -220 | 2.5 Over -105

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetOnline.com Locker Room