CHRIS Graham takes a look at the match at Goodison for us, as Everton host Leicester. What angle will he take?
Everton v Leicester | Sunday 14:00 | Sky Sports 1
Everton are 5/6 best price to win this match against Leicester on Sunday. That's pretty much the same price they were when the sides met on the opening day of the season at the King Power. When you consider their up against a side five points adrift at the bottom of the table, that's quite remarkable. But of course it only tells half the story.
Because, as we know, Everton have had a rotten season in the league as they sit in 12th position, 20 points off the Champions League qualification spots. But still…I did expect their price to be shorter than that.
I've been convinced all season that this Everton team are very good and their outstanding performances in the Europa League have gone some way to proving that. They beat the second best team in Germany (Wolfsburg) home and away in the group stages, and pounded the Young Boys of Berne hard in a 4-1 win on Thursday night. A place in the Last 16 looks assured.
It's only fair (before I put Everton up as my Best Bet) that I mention just how disappointing they've been in the league. Just three wins since the dawn of November, defeats to Hull and Crystal Palace and not one point accrued over the festive period.
But is there just a feeling that things are turning? In their last five Premier League games they've been up against last season's Top 3 and lost just once. That was a narrow 1-0 loss to Chelsea. Draws against Manchester City and Liverpool deserve credit.
“But what about their rubbish record after Europa League games”, I hear you shout at me. Yes, you're sort of right. P6 W2 D1 L3 hardly sparkles, but isn't that an indicative snapshot of their season overall? Two of those defeats were away losses to Spurs and Man Utd so hardly shameful.
As for Leicester, well I can't see a way out of this trouble for Nigel Pearson. He must be on the brink. Five points adrift, out the FA Cup, four defeats in a row, 10 away losses in 13 and uncertainty over his position. It doesn't look good.
While his team are playing well, they just aren't taking their chances and that has to be a huge concern. At the prices available on Sunday, I just have to be with Everton.
Best Bet
Everton v Leicester – Everton to win (5/6 Coral)
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