Everton v Hull City
Football: England, Premier League 2009/2010
Sunday 7th March 2010 - Kickoff 4pm

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Everton

Last 5 Everton Games At Home : W5-D0-L0 F11-A2

David Moyes side have been flying rising up the table week after week with huge wins at home to Chelsea and Man United in their quest for the European places. Last weekend that run was halted as they lost 2-1 to Tottenham at White Hart Lane, a result that pretty much eliminates them for a chance of fourth, however they have a nice run now till May and an outside chance of European football is a possibility. The first game of that “good run” is at home to Hull on Sunday.

Moye’s side have won 6 of the last 9 with just 1 draw, before that the Toffees drew 4 straight and I’m sure the manager is delighted that his side are winning more games with their attacking football. In this league it’s better to go for all 3 points and lose a few more times compared to drawing and not losing many and it’s because of this attitude Everton are on this great run, 19 points from 27 says it all.

For me what makes the run so impressive is the home form, beating Chelsea and Man United back to back is huge and I can’t remember anyone doing that lately. Overall it doesn’t look so great with only 7 wins from 14 which is only good enough for 10th overall, but I’m looking at the recent run, 5 of their overall 7 wins have come in the last 5 games and for me Everton is still a team to back despite last weeks set back.

Team news for the Toffees is that top scorer Saha is out with a hamstring injury which is a huge blow given he is the clubs top scorer, however Yakubu will step in and he can be just as effective. Cahill is a doubt as are Osman, Vaughan, Jagielka and Senderos with Jagielka and Cahill failing to even train this week. Of the above I expect Osman to start but the others are struggling and may make the bench.

Predicted Everton Lineup :
Howard, Neville, Heitinga, Distin, Baines; Osman, Rodwell, Arteta, Pienaar, Donovan; Yakubu.

Hull City

Last 5 Hull City Away Games : W0-D2-L3 F2-A10

Phil Brown’s side are currently languishing in the final relegation place (18th) with 24 points which is not where the Tigers want to be. The positive side is that they have 24 points as do Wolves who only are above on goal difference with the next 5 sides above them separated by 3 points. It’s going to be a case of 1 win could see you raise 3 places whilst a defeat can bring you right back into the relegation zone.

So up next in Hull’s quest for survival is a trip to Goodison against a side looking for a European place next season, not the kindest of match ups for Hull this one. When looking at Hulls away form, it’s easy to see why they are down there at the bottom, 0 wins from 14 is very poor and even poorer is the 4 draws, 10 of their 14 away games have ended in defeat, that’s a staggering 71%!

When looking at the same period last season, we can see why Hull were so much higher in the league, 14 games 5 wins and 5 draws only 4 defeats which is only 29%. That all equates to 4 points this year and a massive 20 points last year, now many will say it’s your home form that keeps you up but having an away record like that is only going to double the already intense pressure when playing at home. For me, this needs to change and fast if Hull is to stay up, unfortunately for them I don’t think this will start on Sunday.

With only 1 win in the last 13 it’s going to be hard for Phil Brown to inspire and motivate his side, however given that this win was against Man City I’m sure he can get his side up for the visit to Merseyside. Can motivation get you goals in the Premiership? I’m not so sure and given this side has been shut out in back to back games and Everton have conceded just 2 in the last 5 homes it does not look good for Hull.

Team news is that the Tigers welcome back a host of players despite Fagan being suspended and Gardner’s recent injury. Giovanni, Ghilas, Olofinjana and Bullard have all been training this week and are looking to start.

Bullard is the huge return with him being absent this side has looked really poor and lacking creativity, reports are he will start. The only other concern is that Stephen Hunt might be on the bench as he has a foot injury but I think he will start.

Predicted Hull City Lineup :
Myhill, McShane, Zayatte, Mouyokolo, Dawson; Boateng, Cairney, Bullard, Hunt; Vennegoor of Hesselink, Zaki.

The Betting Verdict :

Everton will want to bounce back quickly following their disappointing loss last week and I think Hull are a good opponent for Everton and it’s hard to see the Tigers scoring let alone winning/drawing.

The away day blues to continue for Hull as they take a step closer to the Championship.

The Pick :

Everton 2-0 Hull

PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE :

Everton 68% - Draw 21% - Hull 11%

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Everton to win and 1.45 seems fair at Pinnacle