Everton vs Blackpool

February 17, 2012
By: John Hansen

Everton are flying high following the home wins over Manchester City and Chelsea, and the Toffees are very motivated to keep the rich vein of form and make it to the FA Cup quarter-finals. Blackpool are also on top of their game at the moment, and everything suggests we will see a great game of football at Goodison Park.

Everton finally showing what they are capable of

The Toffees had high hopes before the season started as they believed the team would be able to fulfill its undoubted potential, but numerous injuries to the playing squad as well as the lack of funds to needed to plug a couple of holes in the squad preventing Everton from showing all they’ve got. While showing glimpses of quality in some games, David Moyes’ side just couldn’t find any consistency and they would always find a way to disappoint their fans. Nevertheless, it looks as though things are slowly falling into place, with the latest run of results proving the Toffees are on top of their game. Boosted by the arrival of Landon Donovan and Steven Pienaar, David Moyes’ side produced three excellent home showings to beat Fulham, Manchester City and Chelsea, and they are now looking to continue the amazing run by beating Blackpool. The hosts are brimming with confidence at the moment and they should have it in them to record a very important victory.

Steven Pienaar is cup-tied having already played for Tottenham in the competition, but Landon Donovan is likely to start as this will be his final game before returning to LA Galaxy. Nikica Jelavic is a doubt with a stomach muscle injury, whereas Phil Jagielka, Leon Osman and Jack Rodwell remain sidelined.

Can Blackpool return to the Premiership?

Even if nobody believed they can survive the Premier League campaign, Blackpool showed a lot of promise last season and the Tangerines were very unlucky to go down. However, instead of crying over the spilt milk, Ian Holloway’s side quickly regrouped and readied themselves for a new push for Premier League promotion. The Tangerines have been doing really well of late, with the ten-match unbeaten run helping them climb to Championship promotion places as well as reach the FA Cup last 16 stage. Ian Holloway’s men go into this game high on confidence and very motivated to prove they still have what it takes to match strong Premier League sides, but I seriously doubt they have enough quality to stop high-flying Everton. As always, the Tangerines are expected to adopt a positive approach and that could end up costing them dearly against the team with an impeccable tactical discipline.

Midfielder Matt Phillips remains doubtful with a tight hamstring, whereas veteran striker Kevin Phillips could return to the starting line-up.

Verdict

Blackpool have been playing really well of late, but after sides like Fulham, Manchester City and Chelsea were all beaten at Goodison Park, it is hard to expect that the Tangerines can fare any better. Everton are on top of their game at the moment and they should be able to record a comfortable win.

Our prediction: Everton with -1 Asian handicap

Odds: 1.92 (23/25)

Bookmaker: bet365

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