DUNCAN FERGUSON is back in the Goodison Park dugout as gaffer and it will be fascinating to see if he can get Everton out of their Premier League tailspin.
The fiery Scot has taken caretaker charge for a second time in the wake of Rafa Benitez’s sacking.
He transformed the team two years ago after stepping into the void when Marco Silva got the bullet.
The Toffees dumped Chelsea 3-1 at Goodison in his first game as boss so the board will be hoping for a similar impact when Aston Villa come calling today.
But Villa have looked pretty impressive under Steven Gerrard and came from 2-0 down to draw with Manchester United last week.
I fancied Villa to win that game and they are 33/19 with SBK for a victory at Goodison. But it’s hard to tell what kind of impact Big Dunc will make so I’m going for BTTS instead at 13/16 with the same firm.
Jacob Ramsey inspired Villa’s fightback last week with a goal and an assist.
The youngster is 5/1 with McBookie to set up another goal today and that looks a bit overpriced.
Everton will be fired up under Ferguson and I fancy them for most bookings at 13/10 (McBookie).
Manchester City are running away with the title and head to Southampton tonight looking to open up a 14-point lead. Saints have been a tough nut to crack for City and drew 0-0 at the Etihad earlier this season.
They also beat Pep Guardiola’s men 1-0 at St Mary’s two years ago so backing Southampton +2 in the handicap could pay off at 11/10 with SpreadEx.
The last two meetings at St Mary’s have been settled by a single goal so under 2.5 strikes also appeals at 9/5 with BetVictor.
Manchester United kept their hopes of a top-four finish alive with a 3-1 win at Brentford in midweek.
But there were still some concerns for Ralf Rangnick with United turning in a woeful first-half display and star man Cristiano Ronaldo acting like a petulant child when he was subbed.
Today’s Old Trafford clash with West Ham will be huge in the race for a Champions League slot with the fourth-placed Hammers just two points ahead of United.
It should be a tight game so under 2.5 goals looks the shout here as well at a decent 24/19 with SBK. I also like the half-time draw at 11/8 (Bet365).
Newcastle blew a great chance to ease their drop fears when they conceded a late leveller at home to Watford last weekend.
The Magpies now face Leeds on the road and Marcelo Bielsa’s men look decent value for the win at 24/23 with SBK.
Super singles
- Jacob Ramsey assist for Villa (5/1, McBookie)
- Southampton +2 handicap (11/10, SpreadEx)
- Under 2.5 goals in Manchester United v West Ham (24/19, SBK)
McBookie bet builder
- Combining a Leeds win over Newcastle with over 2.5 goals pays 173/100.
I'm a sports journalist, football tipster and author from Dundee, who is now working in Glasgow. I've covered games at every level, from Junior football to internationals, and still love football even though it has clearly sold its soul. I've been in football tipping since 2018 with the MFT site.
