Everton continue with annoying results in Premier. They’re without win in last four (three draws), have just two home wins of seven and sitting on very low for them 14th place. However, their performances look much better than results and I’m sure it’s a matter of time when they’ll start with the climbing on the table. The biggest problem recently is the lack of attacking support for Tim Cahill (scored five goals in his last eight games). Arteta and Pienaar work fine delivering from midfield, but Everton miss efficiency of the strikers. This should be a nice chance for Saha, Beckford and recovered Anichebe to recover the old shape. Moyes will miss only Fellaini who serves the last game of his suspension.
The Baggies are in free fall recently and currently I can’t see anything that could stop it. Four defeats and a draw in last five encounters caused they slipped from the 4th place (if my memory is right) to more expected 16th. They’ve kept only one clean sheet so far allowing at least two goals in four of their five previous games. Considering team quality, they’re probably worst in Premier (alongside Blackpool). First season syndrome and probably great motivation skills by Di Matteo caused an excellent run of results. Now WBA will hardly find something to boost their morale and they’ll face a hard fight for avoiding relegation. Their key man, Chris Brunt, is probably out with a groin problem. Morrison and Reid are also doubts for the game.
Despite Everton’s latest results, they should be superior here and this is a very nice opportunity for the start of a good run. Goodison is always a tough place to go. Home win for me.
Bet: Everton -1ah
Odd: 2.00 Bet365
Stake: 7/10
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Sunderland 3 - 1 Birmingham
Everton play a season much under all expectations. David Moyes has had a lots of injury players since the league started. They have only one win (West Ham 2-1, away) in last nine competitive games. Defense line hasn’t been performing well, since the departure of Joleon Lescott. Two other defenders who Moyes imagined to be key in back line, Jagielka and Neville, are long-term injured. However, they have plenty of players who make a goal scoring threat and I think (hope Moyes too) Everton will have more chances if attack and try to play for a goal more, than to defend. Yakubu and Saha should cause a lots of problems for Hull’s shaky defense. Fellaini and Bilyaletdinov are suspended, while Steven Pienaar is finally set to return, but could appear only against Liverpool on Sunday.
We came to the end. With FA Cup final, the curtain is falling at the football season in England. Considering odds, Chelsea is a clear favorite. They reached the final after overcoming Arsenal 2-1 in the semi-final, at the same place. Fans and management are happy with recent team performances. They have suffered only one defeat in 21 games under manager Guus Hiddink. In the race for Premier Chelsea didn’t have a real chance, paying a bill for wasted points and all mess that Scolari made. In Champions League they were eliminated after totally outplayed later champions. Thankfully to wrong referee’s judgments (I don’t expect anything such like that from Howard Webb) didn’t get a chance to face United again in big final. So, this is the last opportunity for silverware and my impression is the entire season will be judged depending from this game. Frank Lampard has given a boost by declaring himself fit. He sat out last week's win over Sunderland with a knock but will start at Wembley, with Alex and Juliano Belletti (virus) also fit. Deco and Carvalho have some injury problems, but their missing will be covered easily. In recent FA Cup campaign, Chelsea scored more goals proper than any other club (15) and conceded five. Two last games of these rivals ended with goalless draws, but another fact is Chelsea haven’t lost from Everton in last 22 competitive games! Players are in the mood to repay Hiddink for all effort he made for past three and a half months. Also, a trophy would be a big encouragement for the next season and attack for Premier.
Toffees secured a top-six finish for the fourth season in five after three wins and a draw in their last four games. They beat champions Manchester United on penalties to reached this final. Before that, eliminated Middlesbrough and Liverpool. Probably is nonsense, but in each of the last four seasons, the club who knocking out Middlesbrough has gone on to finish runners-up in the competition. But, more serious sounds David Moyes has never experienced victory over Chelsea in any competition as Everton manager. He had a lots of problems with the injuries through the season, but made some impressive results at the same time. This time he has received good news on the injury front, with Phil Neville and Steven Pienaar fully fit following recent worries over hamstring problems. That should enable Moyes to deploy his favoured 4-5-1 formation and announce a game with small number of goals. In Premier League, Everton is considered like a typical “home team” with much better record at Goodison, than away. But, after the semi-final game vs Man.Utd. (also played at Wembley), they grab a point at Stamford Bridge, clearly showing they can play the games on the road. Long time injured are Arteta, Yakubu, Jagielka and Anichebe. 
