After enduring a tough autumn, Everton’s outlook on Premier League life has suddenly started to look far rosier. A surprise 2-1 win at the City of Manchester stadium has given David Moyes and his men key momentum heading into a series of winnable games over the Christmas period. If they are serious about European ambitions this season a run of good results here will be essential.
Birmingham thrived over this period last term, and may expect to do similar this year, with results improving over recent weeks. Their biggest problem has been converting decent performances into wins, and should the relegation battle remain so close, this profligacy may well cost them come May, as it did in 2008.
Whilst long-term absentee James McFadden remains a big miss for City, Everton’s stretched defensive resources and over-reliance on Tim Cahill to perform well may mean the Toffees are forced to share the points.
Prediction: 2-2
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