English Other
2010-09-21 - Brentford vs Everton
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football : English Carling Cup
Tuesday 21 September 2010 - Kickoff 7:45pm
Brentford
Andy Scott has really done a good job at Griffin Park in his tenure, so good in fact that some were tipping the Bees as the dark horses in a fairly loaded League One before the season began. Things have not worked out so well at the start of the campaign although the form is beginning to pick up. Brentford have beaten both Cheltenham and Hull City at Griffin Park to progress through to this tie.
Brentford have moved off the bottom of the table in recent weeks by picking up 5 points from their last 3 League games. They have now kept 4 clean sheets in a row although they have struggled in the final third with only 2 goals in their last 4 games. The Bees are 1-1-1 at home in the League this season but have won 2 Cup games there already.
David Hunt will be missing for this game but Robbie Simpson has recovered from injury to push for a starting spot. Simpson's return would be welcome seeing as he has scored the opening goal in both Carling Cup ties they have played so far this season.
Everton
Everton will understand the fickle nature of a football fan after leaving the pitch to boos on Saturday, a week after their resounding comeback against Manchester United to earn a draw. David Moyes said he fully understood the frustration of the home support and promised to make amends quickly. Everton beat Huddersfield 5-1 in the last round after playing a strong line up.
The defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday has left Everton in 19th position in the Premier League and, along with West Ham United, one of two clubs yet to record a win. This will build pressure on a team that had been performing well without getting the results before Saturday when they were disappointing all over the pitch.
David Moyes will play a strong team here. Tim Cahill and Phil Neville are both hoping for starts after recovering from injuries while Yakubu could be given his first start of the season as Louis Saha and Victor Anichebe are unavailable.
Prediction
Griffin Park is the only ground in the country that has a pub on each corner and provides an intimate setting. Brentford will look to take that to their advantage as their illustrious opposition will not be used to the different conditions that are provided at the lower League clubs.
Everton are desperate to continue their progress in this competition and will be hoping they can use a Cup run as a catalyst to providing more points in the Premier League. The pressure is on the side to do better after a storming end to the last season and it is clear that this is a game they want to win.
The Toffees look keen to make amends for a poor start to the season and while their price is not the biggest in the World, I feel they are worth a shot to take their place in the draw on Saturday.
The Pick :
Brentford 0-2 Everton
