Everton are rightfully favourites and can be backed at a generous 4/7 at near enough every bookmakers. Coral, William Hill and BetFred all have the Potters down at 11/2 to triumph whilst SkyBet and Bet365 offer 3's on the game ending all square.
Stoke will be hoping to keep the game tight and hit the Toffee's on the break and so, if they are to triumph, it could very well be by one goal to nil, a scoreline that attracts 16's at BlueSQ. City may struggle to contain the hosts for the full game and so may have to score more than once to take three points, maybe relying on late pace from the bench, and BlueSq and Coral offer 25/1 on a 2-1 win for the Potters.
The hosts, as said above, are favourites and may have to be patient to unlock an organised Stoke defence. They would take a 1-0 now and Bet365, StanJames and Ladbrokes offer 6/1 that The Toffee's win via a single strike. Everton comfortably won this fixture by three goals to one last season and are 14/1 with SkyBet to repeat the score. Stoke will be hoping for a Russia sized hangover and a goalless draw could be on the cards, a scenario given odds of 12/1 with Bet365. If you think the tired legs may provide a more open game then SkyBet give odds of 22/1 that the two sides share our goals, with the game finishing 2-2.
Whether it be through the tired legs of the home side, or the pressure they exert finally breaking through the Potters dogged rearguard, the opening goal could well arrive late on and Bet365 offer 20's the deadlock is broken in the last ten minutes with PaddyPower going 18/1 that the first strike arrives after the 75th minute.
James Beattie will be hoping to start, and make a good impression, after his unsuccessful spell at Goodison Park, and the hitman can be backed at 10's with Coral to open the scoring. Striker Dave Kitson is the Potters top scorer this season and can also be backed at 10's at Bet365 and Coral to net first. Ryan Shawcross found the net here last season and is 28/1 to score the first goal on Sunday.
Everton, for a change, have an embarassment of riches up front and Jo, Cahill Saha, Yakubu, Fellaini and Baxter could all start up front. Saha is suspended midweek and so will be fresh for the weekend. The Frenchman has eight goals already this season and is favourite at 5's with PaddyPower to net the first scorer. Midfielder Leon Osman has a history of important goals and is 16/1 with SkyBet to break the deadlock with full back Leighton Baines, a danger at set pieces, an inviting 25/1 with William Hill to net before anyone else.