Everton vs. Norwich: EPL Betting Preview

Everton have won just twice at Goodison this season and could struggle to make it three on Wednesday.

The Toffees, who fail to live up to expectations so often, host a Swansea side that has impressed under Brendan Rodgers and quite why Everton are no bigger than 1.60 to secure the victory I’m not too sure.

Wins over Wolves and Wigan in front of their own fans are all the Merseyside club have to show for their efforts so far this term and once again scoring goals has been a major problem.

Just eight strikes at Goodison Park in as many matches in the Premier League highlights the difficulties David Moyes’ team have finding the net and they are often left to go to battle without a recognised striker.

Beaten already at home by QPR, Liverpool, Man Utd and Stoke, Everton are not the force of previous seasons and I doubt very much whether their anticipated post-Christmas surge will materialise in 2012.

The visitors on Wednesday night have enjoyed themselves terrifically on their return to the top flight and it has been defensive solidity that has been the key to their success.

Eight clean sheets in just 16 matches is a wonderful effort and goalkeeper Michel Vorm has been an inspiration for the Swans this term.

While it is 29 years since Swansea last won an away match in England’s first division, a 2-0 triumph at Nottingham Forest in May 1982, Rodgers must think his team can add to their points tally on Wednesday.

Swansea have shown enough in draws at Wolves, Liverpool and, most recently, Newcastle that they can perform with credit on their travels and another goalless stalemate would not surprise.

2pts Lay Everton (vs. Swansea) @ 1.63 (Betfair)

0.5pts Back No Goalscorer @ 11.0 (Stan James)