Birmingham City v Everton
Football : England, Premier League 2009/2010
Saturday, 13th March 2010 - Kickoff 3pm

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Analysis:

Birmingham who started the season on a high note have begun to stumble in recent games. Their opponents Everton are playing some great football and are currently in form coming into this match.

What makes this clash so interesting is that these two sides are battling neck to neck and are situated in eight and ninth in the standings respectively. In midweek, Bimringham have overtaken David Moyes Everton with the 2-1 win over Portsmouth.

Everton though have won six of their last eight games and have climbed the table since January and they were only beaten by Tottenham and Liverpool in that run.

The last time when these two sides met was at Goodison Park and it ended in a 1-1 draw.

As for the team news, Birmingham midfielder Lee Boywer will feature after recovering from illness. Bowyer did not feature in midweek after McLeish decided to rest several regular players. So the likes of Sebastian Larsson, James McFadden and captain Stephen Carr will return for this clash.

However, veteran striker Kevin Phillips is doubtful with a hamstring injury still. Also right-back Stuart Parnaby is ruled out with an ankle injury so he will not feature. Long-term absentee Lee Carsley remains out with an ankle injury while a hip injury keeps Garry O'Connor out of this clash as well.

As for Everton, Louis Saha is doubtful after missing their last two games with a thigh injury. Moyes is short of options in attack as he had loaned striker James Vaughan to Leicester on Friday. Landon Donovan will play his last game for Everton in this match so Moyes will soon have a strikers shortage coming up.

Influential midfielder Tim Cahill (calf) and January signing Philippe Senderos (knee) are also doubts for Everton. The visitors are already missing Marouane Fellaini for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.

But look to Mikel Arteta to help with the goal scoring responsibilites as he was on target in the 5-1 thrashing of Hull City last weekend as he teams up with Leon Osman in midfield.

Take Everton to come out winners here and give the 1/4 ball away here.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Everton 2-1

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Everton to win this match.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Everton and give the 1/4 ball away here.