It has been another season to forget for Everton fans but it could continue to get worse before there’s any sign of improvement.
The unhappy tenure of Rafael Benitez has come to a close but after so many failed managerial appointments, there seems to be very little faith among Everton fans that the club ownership will get the right person for the job to replace him.
Meanwhile, a demoralised Everton side face a fast-improving Villa line up on Saturday. Steven Gerrard’s battlers were impressive in consecutive games against Manchester United, both for their energy and their attacking link-up play and I don’t think Everton will relish that kind of challenge right now.
The Clarence House Chase is always one of the highlights of the season and this year’s renewal is one of the most eagerly anticipated of recent years.
Last year’s winner, First Flow, will be a serious threat after warming up with a solid victory in the Peterborough Chase, but the main focus here will be on the clash between last season’s top two novice chasers Shishkin and Energumene.
Neither have been beaten over fences so far, and both were impressive in their seasonal debuts. Energumene was an eye-catching winner of the Hilly Way Chase, but Shishkin blitzed his rivals with ease in the Desert Orchid Chase, despite not running to his best form and I’m siding with the Nicky Henderson-trained Arkle winner in what should be a fascinating contest.
Brentford recorded some impressive results in the first half of the season but the demands of top-flight football have been catching up with them of late, and they go into this game having lost five of their last six.
Their defence in particular has started to look vulnerable in recent games and they’ve conceded ten in the last three, a run that is taking them ever closer to the drop zone.
Both sides are missing key players away on AFCON 2021 duty, but in the absence of Romain Saiss, Raul Jimenez can lead the line for Wolves, who travel to London with a healthy recent record, winning three of their last four including a victory at Old Trafford. That level of form is well beyond Brentford at the moment and the visitors look a solid bet for all three points here.
Total Odds for this multiple: 10/1. Remember, multiple prices are based on our Sportsbook product, so any winnings are exempt from commission.
