Newcastle United vs Everton EPL 2011 Betting Picks + Odds
Newcastle United surprisingly sit at third in the table, and they look to continue their run of play at home against a lowly Everton side that just can’t seem to get things going this season.
When: Saturday, 8:45 EST
Where: St. James’ Park, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
TV: ESPN 2
LINE: Newcastle United (+125), Everton (+210), Tie (+230)
Who would have thought that after ten weeks we would be throwing Newcastle in with the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, and Chelsea? Well, that’s where things lie at the moment.
Newcastle has vaulted up to third, just one point behind Manchester United for second place on the table with their recent run of play. The Toons are also one of just two teams that haven’t lost a match this season. The other being table leaders, Manchester City.
Newcastle is also enjoying a period where they have won four of their last five matches, including their last match that took place in Stoke City. A match they won 3-1.
Let’s be honest, no one thought this side was going to be relegated this season, but at the same time, no one figured them to be any better than an average ninth or tenth on the table come season’s end. But average clubs don’t go on the road to Stoke and win 3-1. That’s just not how things work in the EPL.
If you want to know why they’re up there, it isn’t because they score a ton of goals. It’s actually quite the opposite. They have only found the back of the net two more times than that of 16th place Everton this season (15 and 13 respectively).
Their key however, is their back line. The fact that they allow next to nothing in their own net. They have conceded a league best, seven goals so far this season. They have let in three goals in five matches on the road, and four in five at home. [ad-3678122]
As for Everton, a club that was thought to be in the running for a European spot, they have looked like anything but a team deserving of such praise. They are in danger of relegation instead, and it all starts with the attack.
Everton have put in just 15 goals this season, and while goalkeeper Tim Howard has done the best job he possibly can with what’s in front of him. He has let in 13 in their nine matches played.
The Toffees are going to have to find a way to score if they play to make a return to the top half of the table this season. For that to happen, it seems as though they’ll be relying on young Greek player, Apostolos Vellios.
Vellios has scored twice in seven appearances in league play, but has been doing the majority of his work coming off the bench in a sub role. For them to get back on track, I think it begins with starting the guy that is scoring the goals.
Matt’s Prediction: Newcastle United 1:1 Everton-The road team won both meetings in the series a season ago. While I don’t expect Everton to win, a Newcastle side that hasn’t scored a ton of goals in likely isn’t going to find it easy to get one by Howard. This one will likely be played to a score of 1-1 as both sides are not far apart on paper, even though the table suggests otherwise.
