Boxing Day Football
With a full programme of matches on Boxing Day I was spoilt for choice
when looking for a selection but have finally decided on the game at
Goodison Park between Everton and Bolton.
Both teams are currently on a good run of form and Everton were unlucky to
come away from Old Trafford on Sunday with nothing after a moment of
madness from Steven Pienaar gave a way a late penalty to undo all his
sides hard work.
Everton site 6th in the league at present 3 points behind local rivals
Liverpool who have played a game less. At Goodison in the league they have
won 5 drawn 1 and lost 2 scoring 19 and conceding 7 with the only defeats
being against Manchester United (1-0) and Liverpool (2-1). Since the
Liverpool defeat they have won their last 5 home games in all competitions
scoring 17 goals and conceding only 3, so it will come as no surprise that
they are top of the form league over the last 6 games.
Bolton too are in a good run of form and new manager Gary Megson seems to
have got them back to something like their old selves since his arrival.
They have climbed up to 14th in the league mainly thanks to some good
performances at the Reebok which includes their fine 3-0 win on Saturday
against fellow strugglers Birmingham.
The problem with Bolton is an away record in the league so far of won 0
drawn 2 lost 6 scored 6 and conceded 18, and the only 2 points they have
gained on the road has been at Derby (1-1) and West Ham (1-1), though they
did get a fine win in midweek against Crvena Zvezda in the UEFA Cup so
signs of improvement are there to see.
Head to head is interesting reading with Bolton winning 2 of the last 4 at
Everton and winning 3 of the last 6 at Bolton!
Sep 1, 07 Premiership Bolton Wanderers 1 - 2 Everton FC
Apr 9, 07 Premiership Bolton Wanderers 1 - 1 Everton FC
Nov 18, 06 Premiership Everton FC 1 - 0 Bolton Wanderers
Dec 17, 05 Premiership Everton FC 0 - 4 Bolton Wanderers
Aug 21, 05 Premiership Bolton Wanderers 0 - 1 Everton FC
May 15, 05 Premiership Bolton Wanderers 3 - 2 Everton FC
Dec 4, 04 Premiership Everton FC 3 - 2 Bolton Wanderers
May 8, 04 Premiership Everton FC 1 - 2 Bolton Wanderers
Nov 29, 03 Premiership Bolton Wanderers 2 - 0 Everton FC
Jan 28, 03 Premiership Bolton Wanderers 1 - 2 Everton FC
I am going to go for an Everton win at best price ¾ with Expekt as I was
impressed by their performance at Old Trafford and feel that manager David
Moyes has started to put together a strong squad with a good mix of youth
and experience, and though Bolton are an improving side until they can
show they are getting their act together on the road in the league I am
willing to oppose them.
I will also go for +2.5 goals in this match given that Everton are scoring
and average of 3 a game over the last 5 home matches and that Bolton too
have forwards in form in the shape of Anelka and Diouf, and at generally
Evens it is a fair price for that outcome.
My final bet depends on team news but if he is playing 9/1 for Tim Cahill
to get the first goal is too tempting for me to miss and I will have a
small investment on him if he makes the team.
All that remains for me to do now is wish you all a very Merry Christmas
to you and your families and hopefully as we head into 2008 we can relieve
the bookies of a bit of their profits!
Good Luck as ever,
Silverfox.
