Newcastle vs Everton Betting Tips

Although it's unwise to get too carried away at this point in the season, Everton's fans appear to have good reason to be optimistic, with the arrival of England striker Andy Johnson having an immediate, and noticeable impact. Indeed, the Toffees have been lacking a player with Johnson's killer instinct in recent seasons, especially one who can deliver that all important end product consistently. Now they have that, they look pretty good. With no disrespect to James Beattie, who arrived at Goodison Park for £6million from Southampton 2005, he seems to have reached a plateau in his career, whereas Johnson's star continues to rise through the ranks. However, Beattie's contribution has been more positive already since playing alongside Johnson, as his link-up play is good. He can get firmly back on track now, as the presence of Johnson will alleviate pressure on him to score. Newcastle's start to the season hasn't been awful by any means. It will have been a major disappointment to Glen Roeder and his charges that they were beaten at St James' Park by Fulham on September 9, but they bounced back with away wins in the UEFA Cup and then back in the Premiership against West Ham. The Toon Army were not disgraced in going down by two goals to nil against Liverpool at Anfield in midweek, but what will have given cause for concern is that there defending remains somewhat suspect, and such frailties will be cruelly exposed by a clinical finisher with speed to burn like Andy Johnson. In addition to defensive chinks, Newcastle are short on resources up front. With Michael Owen on the easy list and Alberto Luque unable to make an impact, Roeder will no doubt be praying that neither Shola Ameobi nor new arrival Obafemi Martins, his first-choice pairing in attack, pick up an injury. Martins, a £10million purchase from Inter, has looked sharp since landing in Tyneside, but it's probably too soon to expect too much from the Nigerian International, as he's only been with the squad for a month. Although well acquainted with the Premiership, Damien Duff is probably still acclimatising too having only signed for the club in late July. The Irishman has also struggled to find consistency - he has a tendency to drift in and out of games, but perhaps this is a crease which will be ironed out now that he'll be getting regular first-team football. Newcastle will be relying on the likes of Parker and Emre to roll their sleeves up and get back and defend. But Everton boast a good deal of penetration from midfield through the likes of Arteta and Cahill, and I reckon that it will all prove too much for Newcastle's shaky line of defence. In all honesty, I am shocked to see that Newcastle are as short as 11/10 in the match result, while Everton can be backed at 9/4 with bet365. Admittedly, home advantage will play its part, but with their confidence sky high I am confident that David Moyes' men will leave with all three points. Get on! Verdict - 2pts Everton in the match result market @ 9/4 (bet365)