Everton vs Reading Betting Tips

An intriguing fixture is in prospect on Sunday when eighth-placed Everton take on Reading, who are currently a place below and one point adrift in ninth place in the Premiership, at Goodison Park. The Toffees are generally a shade of odds-on in the match result market but are available at 21/20 in places. David Moyes' men took a bit of a battering when beaten conceding four against Blackburn in their third round FA Cup tie, but the Merseyside club are otherwise a solid outfit on home soil. Everton have won six of their nine Premiership matches played thus far at Goodison and while their away form has let them down for the most part this season, they outpointed Reading by two goals to nil at the Madejski Stadium on December 23, which gives them a psychological edge over the Royals. Indeed, Everton had failed to win in seven league games on the road prior to beating Steve Coppell's charges at their Berkshire lair, an excellent effort considering how well Reading had been playing in their backyard, and you'd have to fancy the Toffees to do the double over the Premiership newbie's. Don't get me wrong, Reading will give it a good go. They've lost two of their last four away games, but went down fighting against both Newcastle and Man Utd, while also gaining highly creditable draws at Watford and, particularly, at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day. But Everton defend a lot deeper than the likes of United, who are very much an attacking side, and, therefore, Reading will not be presented with the type of counter-attacking opportunities they've enjoyed in some of their games. When it comes to tactics, few teams can outfox the Evertonians. The only negative for the home side is that they will be without midfielder Mikel Arteta, who misses the game through injury. With Tim Cahill still on the easy list, Everton will be without arguably their best, and most attack minded players in the middle of the park. However, I believe that they have enough quality to overcome this. Andy Johnston and James Beattie haven't exactly flourished as a strike partnership up front, and Beattie in particular has been disappointing. But Johnson remains capable of turning a game around with his predatory instincts, and Everton's success is built on their solid foundation - their defence. Although Reading have goals in them with the likes of Doyle and Lita in their squad, I reckon they will struggle to beat the Toffees' keeper, Richard Wright, on Sunday, and at 5/2 with Paddy Power, backing Everton to win to nil rates a pretty tasty bet. Hopefully punters will be left with a good taste in their mouth. Toffee like.