Everton backed for another bottom half finish after opening week
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It may be too soon to jump to conclusions, but one game into the Premier League season and punters seem to be making up their minds about which way Everton’s season will go.
Their 11th place finish last term was the first time they have failed to make the top-10 in a decade, and according to the money, they will struggle to better that in 2015-16.
Available to back at 11/5 for a bottom half showing this time round before their opener against Watford, several big bets since their 2-2 draw has seen them clipped into 6/4 shots.
While the odds still suggest a top half berth is the more expected of events, a long run without a maiden win this season could see even more backing, forcing them into an odds-on chance.
It’s been 14 years since the Toffees failed to breach the upper echelons of the table in successive years, though if they fail to address their shortcomings demonstrated in last weekend’s game, it could bring an end to that run.
The sale of John Stones could be a major decision in itself, but the choices that subsequently have to be made also hold a major bearing.
Whether to let the youngster go to Chelsea is a massive dilemma in the first place and if Roberto Martinez caves in and does allow him to leave, the pressure will be on to replace him with the required quality of player.
Without getting ahead of ourselves, we are one game into the season after all, Everton could have a real battle on their hands for that top-10 finish.
While the Goodison Park outfit have been backed for a bottom half berth, Crystal Palace have been supported for another expedition above the fold.
A 3-1 victory at Norwich on Saturday wasn’t without its controversy, but Alan Pardew’s men looked dangerous at times and have brought in some very useful players.
Following that win the Eagles have been the subject of one very large bet to finish in the top-10 for the second season running, forcing their odds in from 6/4 to 11/10.
Like Everton, it would be wrong to make concrete assumptions just yet, but they certainly look the club on the up.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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