Bournemouth v Everton: Saturday night Cup cracker in store

Bournemouth v Everton 
Saturday February 20, 17:15
Live on BBC1

Bournemouth

A pair of defeats has put the south coast side on the back foot in the Premier League and sparked relegation talk in the media. But should Cherries fans really be panicking? The wider form is good (three wins, one draw, two defeats from their last six) and we shouldn't be dismissing Eddie Howe's side too soon, especially with such an ebullient man in charge.

Barring the long-term injured trio of Callum Wilson, Tyrone Mings and Max Gradel, Howe has afull strength squad to pick from.

Everton

The Toffees were rocked by a West Brom smash-and-grab raid at Goodison Park last weekend, Tony Pulis' side inflicting a 1-0 defeat on Everton to rudely end a nice three-game run of 3-0 wins for Roberto Martinez's side. The defeat perhaps shouldn't have been such a surprise as Everton's results have been tricky to predict this season - it was less than a month ago that they were beaten at home by lowly Swansea.

Everton's away form has been bright, however - only Arsenal and Manchester City have beaten the Toffees on their travels - and there is every reason to think they will enjoy their trip to the seaside.

There were some interesting quotes from Roberto Martinez in Thursday's news conference when the Everton manager hinted at an outing for some of his fringe players. Martinez said: "We need to look at the league first, we have 36 points to fight for and we are not far from the European places, that is what we are going to fight for," he said.

"We just want to enjoy the tie against Bournemouth."

John Stones may be fit to return to first team action for this game.

Match Odds

Everton are clear favourites to win this, trading at 2.32 to progress after 90 minutes. Bournemouth are 3.40 for the win. A draw can be backed at 3.60.

It's a tough market. Do we put our faith in Everton's away form? Can we rely on the visitors at such a short price? Are Bournemouth dismissed too readily in the market?

One thing is for sure, neither manager will welcome a replay. A win for either team seems likely, but I don't find the prices particular persuasive.

Over 2.5 Goals

The market is leaning towards Overs and I'm leaning with it. Everton's 46 Premier League goals is only two less than Spurs and one less than Manchester City and Leicester. They are apotent side. Bournemouth's tally of 30 is respectable, too, and their games tend to go over the 2.5 line - four of the last six in all competitions. The first meeting between the two finished in a 3-3 draw, too.

Overs trades at 1.86 in a developing market but I'd be confident of getting matched at 1.90. Over 3.5 will be around the 3.40 mark and I find that tempting, too.

To Score

If we are going to see goals there should be a few names on the scoresheet. But bearing Martinez's quotes in mind, some of the obvious Everton names may be missing from the starting lineup so it may be wise to swerve Romelu Lukaku for this one.

Benik Afobe started his Bournemouth career in fine style, scoring in three straight games. He can be backed at 3.20 to score at anytime with the Sportsbook. Check the lineups before striking any scorer bet, but if the former Wolves man is in the starting XI that may be a fun betto have.

Recommended Bets 
Back Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.90 or better