Midweek magic means Toffees are set to trounce Fulham

Fulham, odds-on joint-favourites at 2/7 to be relegated from the Premier League this term, last beat top-four outside hopefuls Everton (14/1) in this division in September 2009.

Those who highlight the Cottagers have already beaten the Toffees, in League Cup action, this term are glossing over the fact that a weakened team was fielded by Roberto Martinez.

He will be fielding a much stronger XI here, as the blue half of Merseyside try to chase down upcoming opponents Arsenal in the race for a Champions League place.

Coral offer an industry-best price on Everton, and make them odds-on 4/5 favourites for three points at Craven Cottage.

They are set to come up against Dutch defender Johnny Heitinga, who left Goodison Park for Fulham in January. If that move was set to shore up the beleaguered back-line in west London, then it has hardly improved matters.

In the seven Premier League matches Heitinga has played for Fulham, they have conceded 16 of the 70 goals that have flown in against them.

This abysmal defensive record, although Felix Magath’s men did keep a rare clean sheet in their last home game (a win over Newcastle United), justifies their outsiders price of 7/2 outsiders for three precious points in the scrap for survival.

A draw – the result in two of the last three league meetings at the Cottage – is tempting at 11/4, but betting on that would mean overlooking the hugely impressive away win Martinez’s team took on the road at Newcastle in midweek. If they can thrash opposition of that calibre, then doing so against Fulham should be straightforward.

One Ross Barkley, odds-on at 4/9 to make England boss Roy Hodgson’s final World Cup roster, got Everton off to a spectacular start at St James’ Park. He is 15/8 to net again anytime here.

Winger Gerard Deulofeu also caught the eye with two assists last time out, one of which was for Toffees top-scorer Romelu Lukaku. Back the Belgian to add to his tally against Fulham, by netting first at 9/2.

Everton enjoyed a handsome 4-1 win in the reverse fixture, with four different players scoring. A repeat result is an outside shout at 28/1, and should be considered as hosts Fulham can easily capitulate.