Sunday Plans

The blog figures are in need of an updating so bear with me as time is not on my side these days.
Anyways, i have a few previews stuck up for you to read.


Everton V Portsmouth

Im looking forward to this game. Everton are on the back of an excellent run but the question is can they keep it up? Undefeated in the last seven games and only two defeats in the last seventeen, the defeats coming to Arsenal and Manchester United so hardly an embarrassment. Midweek they controlled the game against Man City and ran out easy 2 – 0 winners. A Champions league spot is now a very realistic target so they will be fully focused on the job in hand today. Yakubu is in terrific form and wouldn’t it be ironic if he scored against his old club today.
Portsmouth come into this one 6 points adrift of Everton in 9th place. Their away form this season is only bettered by Chelsea with 8 wins and a draw. In fact 21 goals in 14 games makes them one of the higher scoring away sides in the premiership and they will look to new signing Defoe to continue his good run of form today. Losing 2 in a row to Sunderland and Man Utd may have suggested that their away form was slipping but they have bounced back with wins over Bolton, Preston and Sunderland so all is not lost.

Verdict
Two similar teams in terms of physical ability here though I suspect that Pompey have a little more in terms of creativity. Should be an interesting game with a few chances for both sides and I think the best bet may be on both teams to score. Jermaine Defoe has looked sharp for Pompey whereas Yakuby has done likewise for Everton. I see a 1 – 1 or 2 – 1 scoreline outcome today.

PICK
Everton V Portsmouth – Both teams to score ( 2.1 @ bet365) 3 points



Bolton V Liverpool

Very difficult game to call. Both teams need points and for different reasons. Liverpools away record has not been great in terms of wins but only 2 defeats tells that they are a tough team to beat. With Everton and Villa playing well, that 4th spot is looking like it could be a struggle so the need for 3 points here today is huge for Benitez and his men. Daniel Agger may be back in what is a huge boost for the club. Last weekend they showed some great attacking flair and some truly horrendous defensive play against Boro and were lucky to take all 3 points.
Bolton on the other hand are kind of doing enough to survive. What worries me most about them is their lack of goals, Just two goals in their last 4 home games, one of those came against Derby and they failed to score against struggling Fulham. They have progresses to the next round of the Uefa cup, which is a big bonus for the club, but premiership survival is the main objective.

Verdict
I can’t tell which sides will come to play here. On their day, Liverpool can be excellent but can also be awful. The same goes for the home side though they tend to raise their game for the visit of big clubs. I think Liverpool can take something from this game and any team with Torres in it has a chance. With a hat trick last time out his confidence is sky high and if the Pool are to score today I strongly fancy that Torres will be the man.

PICK
Torres anytime goalscorer ( 2.4 @ paddy power) 3 points