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Everton v Sunderland
By Simon Hopper
Last updated: 09:50 Wednesday, January 27, 2010
**BEST BET – EVERTON @ 8/11**
Everton may have been dumped out of the FA Cup last weekend but the Toffees are expected to bounce back and dispose of Sunderland in the Premier League at Goodison Park.
David Moyes’ side, a best price 8/11 for victory, have put together some strong league form of late and are unbeaten in the Premiership since losing to Liverpool on November 29th, 8 games ago. This run of form has coincided with the return of several important players, including Phil Neville and the under-rated Leon Osman, while playmaker Mikel Arteta came on as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat to Birmingham on Saturday. Everton are also traditionally very difficult to beat at home – they’ve only lost 4 of their last 24 home games to non big-four clubs while only Arsenal and Liverpool have turned them over at Goodison Park this season.
Sunderland, meanwhile, have lost all momentum from their early season form. Steve Bruce’s side are without a league win in 8 games and lost 2-1 at rock bottom Portsmouth in the FA Cup 4th Round last weekend. Away from home, where Bruce continues to deploy a 4-4-2 formation, the Black Cats have proven especially vulnerable. Just 1 win in 11 road matches (on the first day of the season), and 7 defeats in their last 8 away fixtures (all competitions) has torn Sunderland’s season to shreds and they now sit just 4 points clear of the relegation zone.
If Bruce goes for Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones up front again then it is easy to see Tim Cahill, Marouane Fellaini and Phil Neville dominating possession in midfield. Considering the form of both sides Everton should probably be a shorter price to win the game and can be supported at Skybet’s 8/11.
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