Everton v Manchester City – title destiny back in City's hands

Results at the weekend played right into Manchester City's hands and three more wins from their remaining games should be enough to hand the Premiership title to Manuel Pellegrini's men. With a vastly superior goal difference over nearest rivals Liverpool, it's unlikely that the Merseyside team will overhaul City, even if they were to take maximum points from their remaining matches.

Manchester City's 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace has strengthened their position as favourites for this game at 4/5 with Paddy Power. Everton meanwhile, are still hopeful of a top four finish and are quoted at 19/5 with Stan James while the draw finishes things off at 3/1 with BetVictor.

Before you dismiss Everton's chances of getting a positive result, it's worth recalling that Roberto Martinez's side have already beaten, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal at Goodison. They are strong at home and because City weren't always convincing against Palace, the draw has a good chance at that 3/1 price.

First goalscorer betting has been slow to come in and at the time of writing, only one bookmaker has declared. This should be a good indication of the market however and it's one that shows Sergio Aguero as the favourite at 9/2 with Boylesports.

We would advise you to check the team sheets before backing the Argentinean and if he isn't in the starting XI, Edin Dzeko would be a better option at 5/1 with Boylesports again.

One man who can't stop scoring is a midfielder: Yaya Toure found the net once again in his side's most recent win and is quoted at 6/1 with Boylesports. Toure also takes his side's penalties and set pieces and must be worth a punt in the anytime market at 7/4 – also with Boylesports.

The first Everton name here is Romelu Lukaku at 15/2 with Boylesports while Steven Naismith has formed a solid partnership with the Belgian and is at 8/1 to score first or 12/5 for an anytime goal. Once again, those prices are with Boylesports.

Everton have been strong in front of goal on their own turf and should at least test Joe Hart in the City goal while the visitors simply have to press for a win in order to stay ahead of Liverpool. An attacking game should therefore see both sides scoring and this will drop in at 8/15 with Bet365.

Alternatively, Manchester City as the only team to find the net is at 5/2 with William Hill while Everton only is at an admittedly tempting 17/2 with Bet365.

As a final tip for this game, if you're looking at the correct score market then a 1-1 draw is a possible option at 17/2 with BetVictor.

City's win at Crystal Palace together with Liverpool's defeat at the hands of Chelsea makes Manuel Pellegrini's side the title favourites but it's unlikely that this game with Everton will be as easy as the odds suggests. Martinez's side have plenty to play for themselves and a draw may well be your best option at Goodison.

More About Ryan Sheader

I love horse racing, love football, love a bit of casino action, love rambling about pointless where was I? Oh yeah, and I love life!

View Posts - Visit Website