Everton must beat Blackburn to keep top four dream alive

Blackburn/Everton, 8pm, Sky Sports 2, Free Bets, Best Odds

It was said that there was no way Everton could finish in the top four this season, especially without Yakubu and Mikel Arteta but the Toffees have taken advantage of Aston Villa and Arsenal’s recent stumbles and closed the gap. However last night’s unforeseen twist - Arsenal actually winning a game - has heaped pressure on David Moyes’ side who surely now need to win at Ewood Park to keep their hopes of Champions League qualification alive:

Worrying signs for Everton

» Everton haven’t tasted victory in any of their last four meetings with Blackburn, winning just one of the last seven.

» The Toffees have triumphed on just one of their last six visits to Ewood Park and haven’t even managed to score in the last two.

» The two sides have met twice already this season with struggling Blackburn winning on both occasions. Everton were therefore responsible for 33% of Paul Ince’s wins as Rovers manager.

Posted: March 4th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | 2 Comments

Eight reasons why Liverpool won’t regain top spot tonight

Liverpool/Everton, 8pm, Setanta Sports 1, Free Bets, Best Odds

2009 marks the ten year anniversary of Everton’s last win at Anfield but they have been granted two opportunities in the space of a week to ensure that the lean streak isn’t allowed to continue for a second decade. Liverpool are unbeaten at home this season but they have drawn a lot and here are eight reasons why chickendinner expects them to drop points tonight:

1. Everton’s form away from Goodison Park is so impressive that they have won more on their travels than Liverpool have at home this season. Only Chelsea have a better away point average this season than the Toffees.

2. David Moyes’ side know how to perform a smash and grab. They have recorded the second most 1-0 wins in the league this season and four of those have come away.

3. Everton have won four straight games and are unbeaten in six despite the lack of recognised strikers due to injuries to Louis Saha, Yakubu and James Vaughan.

Posted: January 19th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | 1 Comment