Opta Big Match Stats: Newcastle's goals to be rewarded

Demba Ba's 13 league goals have wooed the top clubs

After scoring three goals in their last two games and losing both, Newcastle won't be stung by Everton...

Newcastle v Everton (Wednesday, 20:00, Sky Sports 1)

Newcastle have lost only one of their last 10 Premier League home games against Everton
The Magpies will welcome the return to St James' Park after trips to Manchester United and Arsenal in which they struck six times but, due to severe leaks at the other end, wound up pointless. Everton don't have anywhere near as much fun on Tyneside and can be laid at a reasonably attractive 2.3811/8, though as they are so rarely beaten (the defeat to Chelsea was only their third in 29 league games), let's be a bit more ambitious and back the Toffees to claim a tenth draw of the campaign.

Everton have scored in their last 17 league games, the best run in the Premier League this season and their best since 24 in a row in 1985/86
That date is a good indicator to just how well Everton are faring, for 1985/86 was the penultimate campaign in which they registered a top-three finish, narrowly missing out on the title to Liverpool. Opta note though that the 17-game scoring streak has been undermined by conceding in 15 straight as an Everton side often lauded more for efficiency than flair have become one of the division's most entertaining. With Newcastle netting in their last seven, despite losing five of them, both teams to score is justifiably odds-on.

Newcastle have conceded 11 goals in their last two league games
Newcastle's final two matches of 2013 didn't just feature both teams scoring but firing three or more each for good measure. While that trend continuing for a hat-trick would be extraordinary, a mutual attacking prowess and defensive vulnerability should ensure that this fixture vindicates the decision to televise it. The last four clashes between the pair have produced at least three goals and the two in 2012 delivered four, the September meeting at Goodison Park ending 2-2.

Recommended Bets:
Back the draw @ 3.55/2
Back both teams to score @ 1.645/8
Back over 3.5 goals @ 3.1511/5

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