Football betting: Premier League - Wigan vs Everton

Steve Bruce has made a promising start to his second stint at Wigan but Everton look good value at 8/11 to inflict the Latics' third defeat since the former Birmingham boss took over at the JJB Stadium. Click here for a Paddy Power Poker $600 welcome bonus when you join Paddy Power Poker Back in November when Sam Allardyce's position at Newcastle was becoming increasingly precarious many questioned Bruce's wisdom in abandoning the relative comfort of Birmingham City in favour of a relegation struggle at Wigan. Had he held on the Geordie might have been one of the 100-odd contenders for the St James' Park hotseat. That said, Bruce has already begun to make his mark in Lancashire, procuring four wins and three draws from his nine matches in charge. Since his arrival, Wigan have managed to hold both Liverpool and Manchester City to 1-1, beaten Blackburn 5-3 and humble Sunderland 3-0 at the Stadium of Light so they will feel confident of frustrating Everton on home turf. However, David Moyes's side are growing in stature with every match and their Champions League credentials are improving commensurately. Since the return of Tim Cahill, David Moyes's side have added drive and incision to a solid defence. How the Toffees fare without Ayegbeni Yakubu and Stephen Pienaar, who have left on African Nations Cup duty, will only be known over the next few weeks, but they coped well last weekend when beating obdurate Manchester City 1-0. The return of Manuel Fernandes (on loan) should compensate for the loss of Pienaar and James McFadden - the latter has been sold to Birmingham. Everton have won two of their last three away fixtures (the defeat was against Manchester United) and they will be confident of adding another three points from their travels in this match. The Toffeemen are looking to pile more pressure on rivals Liverpool, who are a place above them on goal difference with a game in hand. However, a tricky match against Aston Villa awaits the Reds and, if Benitez's men drop points against well-organised Villa, expect Moyes' men to take full advantage. Take Everton to edge this after a drawn first half. Verdict: 2pts draw/Everton @ 4/1 (Paddy Power); 1pt Everton to win 1-0 @ 11/2 (Paddy Power) Click here for a Paddy Power Poker $600 welcome bonus when you join Paddy Power Poker