Everton, the Premier League’s perenniel slow starters, seem to have held their Christmas party early and after taking six points from a possible nine are showing the type of form usually reserved for post-January.

A repeat of the 3-1 home win when these two sides last met at Goodison Park, only five months ago, on Monday night would be enough to send the Toffees joint second with Manchester United.

Match Odds

Everton 5/6
Draw 5/2
Newcastle 10/3

Newcastle have a raft of injury problems for the trip to Merseyside. Manager Alan Pardew is expected to be without Cheick Tiote, goalkeeper Tim Krul and defender Fabricio Colocini.

Colocini’s absence could be felt the most with David Moyes likely to take advantage by deploying Marouane Fellaini further up the pitch – a move that proved devastating against Manchester United.

Fellaini has scored twice for Everton this season and the bookies seem negligent to his more attacking role this campaign. He is still available at a very generous 21/10 anytime goalscorer.

Moyes’ has just the one injury absentee for the match, Darron Gibson is out with a thigh strain, but Everton’s price of 5/6 for the win looks on the short side.

Instead go for a wincast of Nikica Jelavic to score and Everton to win at 5/2.

 

Tipster’s Best Bets

Maroane Fellaini to score anytime @ 21/10 with Paddy Power
Nikica Jelavic/Everton @ 5/2 with Paddy Power

 

 

 

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