Cheltenham v Everton: Under-strength Toffees will still prevail

In the first ever meeting of the sides, Champions League challengers Everton are 1/3 to beat League Two Cheltenham on Monday night.

The Toffees travel to Whaddon Road in tremendous form, having lost just once in their last nine games to propel them to fifth place in the Premier League.

And even if David Moyes decides to rest a number of regular first-teamers, the visitors would look to have enough quality to see themselves comfortably through.

Considering this, the Blues may appeal to punters as 5/6 shots to win giving up a goal head start, whilst it is 9/4 they win giving up a two goal handicap.

In a previous meeting with lower league opposition earlier in the season, Everton emerged 5-0 victors, and that result over League One Leyton Orient should breed confidence in Toffees-backers.

Those who fancy a repeat of that dominant scoreline can have 20/1 regarding that outcome, but a wiser selection could prove an Everton win featuring over 2.5 goals.

That outcome is priced at 4/5, and looks a solid chance bearing in mind the visitors’ last four matches have all ended with a 2-1 scoreline.

A 2-1 Everton win can be backed at 7/1, but the away side look good to record a more convincing victory, despite the hosts’ own impressive league form.

Underdogs Cheltenham, 15/2 to win in 90 minutes, are currently fourth in League Two, and have lost only twice on their own patch all season.

But even the draw looks beyond them at 4/1 here, against last season’s semi-finalists, who have surprised many with their consistency so far this term.

Perhaps the most the home team can hope for is to find the net, and 10/11 is the price about both teams registering in this third round clash.

Alternatively, Everton can be backed to win a game in which both defences are breached at a very tempting 9/4.

And it may be wise to wait on team selections prior to placing a first scorer bet, but Victor Anichebe, often used sparingly, stands out at 9/2 to break the deadlock.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.