Wednesday night’s Premier League clash throws up another exciting contest as Everton host Birmingham City at Goodison Park (Everton 8/15, draw 3/1, Birmingham 5/1).
After another slow start to the season which bordered on relegation fears for Everton fans, the Toffees have started to find some of their best form in the campaign so far.
David Moyes’ side have won three of their last four outings in the top flight and will be looking to bag their third consecutive win on Wednesday.
Everton failed to make any significant changes in the January transfer window due to a restricted budget but their change in fortunes has come about due to some key players hitting form.
Former Rangers midfielder Mikel Arteta was instrumental in Everton’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday and he will be a constant thorn in Birmingham’s side, as he looks to create chances for others as well as being a threat himself.
The return of talented youngster Jack Rodwell has been a big boost for the Merseyside club and his work rate in midfield was sorely missed when he was out of action earlier in the season.
Jermaine Beckford (4/1 to be first goalscorer) has also started to find the back of the net for the Toffees and the former Leeds United goal machine now has six Premier League goals to his name after he struggled to find his feet in the top flight.
Birmingham produced a superb effort to beat Arsenal in the Carling Cup final last month and they will enjoy European football next season, but the campaign would be a disaster if the Blues were to lose their Premier League status.
Whilst their attentions were set on silverware, many of the clubs battling for survival have begun to pick up crucial points which now leaves the West Midlands club in the relegation zone.
Alex McLeish and his men do have two games in hand over their fellow strugglers and they could go all the way up to 11th in the Premier League if they win those matches.
The Blues will be hurting after they were beaten 3-1 at St Andrew’s by local rivals West Brom and will be determined to put things right against Everton.
Birmingham have found goals hard to come by and have scored the least of any club in the top flight – just 26.
Nikola Zigic is the club’s top goal scorer this season with eight in all competition and they will be hoping the Serbian can try and at least double that total before the end of the campaign.
Everton (6/5 to be leading at half-time/full-time) are favourites to win this clash at Goodison Park with centre-back Phil Jagielka looking like he will have the better of Zigic.
But City are desperate to pick up all three points on Wednesday as they won’t want to be drawn into a relegation scrap with a few games to go.
However, with the Toffees on a decent run they should make it three wins on the bounce to go eighth in the table.
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