Everton (10-11-12, 41 Points) has used a nice little push to quietly get away from the relegation zone and into safety for another year in the EPL. Having reached the magical number of 40 points, we have to wonder if the Toffees are going to come up short in a big way against Manchester United (19-8-6, 65 Points).
ODDS ANALYSIS
With many of the big clubs playing on the road this weekend, it isn't surprising that the EPL is featuring a ton of away favorites. Manchester United is one of those said favorites at +116 on the moneyline and on the Asian Handicap at -0.5.
Everton can be had at +255 on the moneyline or +0.5 (-136) on the soccer equivalent of a point spread.
The total is low at 2.5 (under -125).
KEY INJURIES
Steven Pienaar is going to be a match day decision for Roberto Hernandez, as he has been being evaluated all week. Aside from that though, Everton isn't in bad shape on the injury front for this deep into the season.
United probably won't have Daley Blind, Michael Carrick or Phil Jones on Sunday, and Adnan Januzaj is up in the air as well.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"We're fighting and pushing because we've put a lot of effort into this season. Make no mistake about it. We have. We've given everything we have. We're a good bunch of lads. No one has taken days off." – Everton goalie Tim Howard when asked to describe his team's problems this season
RECENT FORM
Louis van Gaal knows that this stretch for the Red Devils has been brutal. The team has had to play Chelsea, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal just since March 9. Man U isn't worse for wear though, as the team is 4-0-2 in those six fixtures.
Thirteen points in its last five fixtures have really saved Everton's bacon. There was a real threat of relegation there after 28 matches when the team was just a couple points clear of the drop zone, but Saturday's 1-0 win over Burnley at home should have removed any doubt whatsoever about staying up for another campaign.
TALKING TOTALS
Five straight Manchester United matches had gone flying past the total prior to last weekend. The trip to Chelsea really set back the Man U attack and held it without a goal. The 1-0 final tally wasn't nearly enough to get to the total.
What hasn't changed for Everton is the rash of unders. The team has played three straight under duels, though it should be noted that it has scored at least once in each of those matches.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
There's a lot that makes us wonder if Everton is content right now. Much of the news coming out on this team has to do with the contract situations of Aaron Lennon and Kevin Mirallas, both of which have been linked to possible moves to Tottenham at the end of the campaign.
That's a lot of bickering over money and general location, far too much coming into a week where Manchester United is coming to town.
The Red Devils will be happy to get a reprieve from their horrid stretch of matches, and they'll capitalize for a big three points to perhaps get back into second place on the EPL table.
Manchester United 2, Everton 0
The BPL lines for this contest were first released by BookMaker Sportsbook with Manchester United lined as a +116 moneyline favorite and a total of 2.5 (under -125). Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time moneylines, spreads and totals. Live betting is open during every step of this match!
Need to fund your account before the big game but don’t have your computer? No problem! BookMaker Sportsbook now offers a mobile betting cashier so you can deposit money directly from your smartphone. Don’t miss out on getting paid because you couldn’t bet. Click here and deposit at BookMaker now! The fixture between Manchester United and Everton is scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. ET at Goodison Park. The match will be televised live on NBC Sports Network.
