Lawro: Everton will draw against Birmingham

BBC footbal pundit Mark Lawrenson has predicted that Everton will draw with Birmingham City.

He told BBC Sport Online: “Both teams are on good runs at the moment. They are next to each other in the league, with Birmingham eighth and Everton ninth, which adds extra importance to the game. I think this will be tight. Birmingham’s 2-1 win at Portsmouth on Tuesday after losing there in the Cup was a good result. They’ve had such a good season – nobody has mentioned relegation with relation to them since September so that tells you all you need to know about their achievements. City manager Alex McLeish came in for criticism from his own supporters at the start of the season regarding their style of play but he has stayed true to a game-plan that is designed so they are solid defensively and they don’t get turned over.

“For Everton, midfielder Mikel Arteta and defender Phil Jagielka are back from long term injuries and Toffees boss Moyes has had no qualms in throwing them straight back into the team. Instead of being circumspect he’s recognised the quality the pair bring and wanted to get them in as soon as possible, get them match-fit and the team has been better off for it.

“Prediction: 1-1″

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