ENGLISH PREMIER BETTING PICK - SWANSEA V EVERTON

English Premier

2012-09-22 - Swansea vs Everton

A Sports Betting Pick by Auls

Swansea v Everton
Football: English Premier League
Saturday 22 September 2012 - Kick Off 12:45pm
This game is live on TV

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Swansea

Swansea made a blistering start to the new season that had the pundits and writers waxing lyrical about what they can do in the coming year. However, back to back games in the League without a victory may be an indication that their level may be closer to the 'relegation candidates' that many had tipped for them in pre-season.

They are still 5th in the Premier League table after picking up 7 points so far this season, but they have lost Scott Sinclair since the start of the campaign. Swansea are 1-1-0 from their two home games at the Liberty Stadium, scoring 5 goals and conceding 2, while they have also won a Capital One Cup game here against Barnsley.

The side have conceded 2 goals in each of their last 2 League games including that 2-0 loss to Aston Villa last weekend. Swansea are unbeaten in their last 6 home games in all competitions and they have gone on to win 4 of those games. Goals haven't been a problem for Swansea in their recent home games and they have at least 2 from 5 of their last 6 games at the Liberty Stadium.

Michael Laudrup has a few injury concerns in defence for this game with Neil Taylor on the long-term treatment table and Chico suspended. Garry Monk and Kyle Bartley may also be missing for this lunchtime kick off.

Everton

David Moyes would have been lamenting the decisions taken by the officials on Monday night as his side had two 'goals' incorrectly ruled out and then were stung by a last minute equaliser. I don't think that should hide the fact that Everton were excellent for much of the game as they look to get back to winning ways.

In a similar way to Swansea, Everton's start to the season in beating Manchester United and Aston Villa had fans wondering what could be this season. Everton are up to 7th in the Premier League with 7 points from their opening 4 games in the League, but they too have failed to win any of their last 2. The side have a 1-0-1 record away from home, scoring 3 goals and conceding 3.

Everton have been in good form for some time in the Premier League and their loss to West Brom is the only one they have suffered in 13 League games going back to March. They had previously lost just 1 of their last 10 away games in the League, although it has to be said that Everton have only won 2 of those games.

Darron Gibson has been ruled out until possibly after the next set of internationals, while Nikica Jelavic is a doubt with the knee injury he suffered against Newcastle United.

Head to Head

Everton won both League games against Swansea last season, including a 0-2 win here, their first meetings in a little under 30 years.

Swansea have lost the last 4 games when hosting Everton.

Prediction

This should be an intriguing contest for the live television viewers as both clubs were touted very highly on a couple of League victories, but are both now without a win in their last two games.

Confidence has to be a little lower than it was after the first couple of games and that makes it a little tougher to figure out which way it will go on Saturday.

However, my personal view of both teams at the beginning of the season was that Everton would finish a lot higher than Swansea and I feel they are in the better form of the two teams.

The defensive injuries and suspensions may also tip the balance in favour of the away side so I do like Everton to record their third straight win over Swansea in the last year.

However, the amount of draws in Everton away games in the Premier League over the last few months has reduced my enthusiasm for their chances so instead I will look to them on the Asian Handicap in the knowledge that I only lose half my stake if they Everton can't do better than a draw.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

I'll back Everton -0.25 Asian Handicap @ 2.10