Football : England : Premier League
Saturday 31st August - Kickoff 3:00pm
Cardiff City
Cardiff City have cause the upset of the season so far and it would well be the performance of the season come May. Last season's Championship winners beat Manchester City 3-2 in their first ever Premiership home game and in their second they face another tough side in Everton.Mackay's side were brilliant when playing at the Cardiff City Stadium last season and as with most promoted sides they need to maintain that this year.
In Cardiff's other game this year they lost easily at West Ham 2-0 so for their sakes they will want to replicate Sunday's performance and not the one from opening day.
The stats are not great for Cardiff, their average possession is 43% (3rd worst), they average 11 shots a game (17th worst) and are receiving 17 shots at the other end (5th wost). However, we know they will create pressure in their intimidating stadium which the stats don't register. Mackay also rested all 11 starters in their midweek win in the Capital One Cup, as a result this side should be ready and fresh ahead of Everton's visit.
Everton
Everton have started the season with 2 draws, 1 home and 1 away. Martinez won't be upset with the 2 points on the board but given he is in Moyes's shadow he will want to get that first win soonish before the pressure starts to really build.I mentioned in an other preview that Everton purchased a couple of players from Martinez's old club Wigan. It looks as though Everton won't be diving into the market again and if they keep Baines and Fellaini in this window then they are the equivalent of new signings.
Everton should have won at Norwich (2-2) and had all the chances against West Brom (0-0) but they won neither. This team has the second highest possession average in the league with 65% only behind City. Their other stats are also impressive, top of the league for shots per game with 21 and their 7.50 against per game is only bettered by Tottenham's 6!
Betting Verdict
It's funny that all the stats say back Everton when it comes to chances created/conceded etc but for me Cardiff have all the momentum ahead of this game.Cardiff beat Man City whilst Everton failed to beat a very average West Brom. I know these games were played under Moyes but Everton enter this game on 9 match winless run away from home in Premier League matches. The signs are encouraging for Everton but I feel they are a little edgy as they seek that first win.
I also want to oppose Everton because they had to play 120 minutes midweek against Stevenage. Cardiff sailed through their game and made 11 changes, Everton made changes, not as many but then had to bring Fellaini/Coleman/Distin on and that's not ideal.
Everton should control this game but I'm happy to go against them one more week as Cardiff end a brilliant 7 days with at least another point to their tally.
Good Luck
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