Wolves v Everton Tip

It can feel dangerous going against the form book but if you are on to something then the good news is that the bookies are likely to give you good value on your action. On paper, second bottom Wolves should be put in their place by an improving Everton side, but I’m going to go against the tide on this one. Here’s why.

The first reason is quite simply that this is a much bigger game for the home side at Molineux. Desperate for points, opponents with very little to play for become the opponents of choice at this stage of the season. Everton fit the bill in this regard. Yes, they would dearly love to finish above local rivals Liverpool, but compared to the urgency created by a relegation battle this pales into insignificance.

David Moyes will obviously be keen for his team to show full commitment, but his cause isn’t helped by injuries to a string of key players. Arteta, Saha and Fellaini are all definitely out and doubts also surround Cahill, Rodwell and Coleman. That’s almost every attacking player that the manager would want to play!

Wolves will be missing Kevin Doyle up front but do have an able deputy in Ebanks-Blake and a number of other players pushing for inclusion. A bad day at the office against Newcastle shouldn’t disguise how improved Mick McCarthy’s side have been in general in 2011. They have won seven times at home in the league this season, more than any other team in the bottom nine, and I back them to do so again on Saturday. Bigger teams than Everton have left Molineux empty-handed this season with Man Utd and Chelsea among the high profile victims.

Given Everton’s injury concerns at the top end of the pitch they could really struggle to find the net in this fixture. At a generous 3/1 with bet365 I’ll back Wolves to win without conceding in front of the TV cameras.