Wolves v Everton
Wolves play their last home game before their impending relegation against an Everton side desperate to finish above their neighbours, Liverpool.
Terry Connor and his players managed to salvage some respectability last week coming back from 4-1 down to draw 4-4 with Swansea at the Liberty Stadium. Being 3-0 down after 15 minutes or so they would easily have thrown the towel in and accept another heavy defeat but they showed resolve and a desire which has been missing for much of the season. They have obviously lacked quality which is the most vital of ingredients at the top level but there have been times where they just haven’t turned up and it has resulted in their fate being decided weeks ago. It’s unclear what role Connor will have come the new season in the Championship but he is expected to be there in some aspect. It was an unenviable position for him to be put in as he was thrown into a situation where he wasn’t first choice after sacking of Mick McCarthy; inherited a team which was in terrible form and couldn’t buy anyone as it was after the January transfer window. Three draws since February is not a record he will want to take with him and will be hoping he can add at least one victory to his time in charge.
Everton have been excellent for much of 2012 and they duly obliged with a thumping 4-0 win against Fulham last week as tipped up in this column. They were unfortunate not to win again during the week when they allowed Stoke to grab a 1-1 draw at the Britannia. It’s clear I am a big admirer of the job that Davie Moyes has done at Goodison Park with such limited resources and if you were to ask any of the players who have worked under him they would rave about the qualities of their gaffer. Steven Pienaar is a prime example of the influence Moyes has on players as the little playmaker was excellent for Everton before a transfer to Spurs last summer. Despite the London club being one of the most attacking sides in the country, it never worked out for him and he returned to Goodison in January. His performances have been sensational, at the heart of all the good things Everton are doing.
Wolves have won just three times at home in the league this season, the last one coming under McCarthy back in December. It’s an incredible 10 straight home defeats since in which they have scored just four goals during those games.
Everton remain unbeaten in their last seven league games and as mentioned, their target is to stay above Liverpool with just a couple of games left. After this game they play host to Newcastle on the last day of the season which could be pivotal as the Toon Army chase that fourth spot.
Wolves showed a bit of fight last week but any 4-4 draw has to be treated with some suspect and looked to be an end of season game. Everton have more to play for than Swansea did for the reason’s mentioned earlier, and their greater quality should shine through – away win.
My Selection: Everton to beat Wolves
Best odds available: 3/4 available with BetVictor
