Match Preview: Everton vs Peterborough United (FA Cup Third Round)

Fixture: Everton v Peterborough

Date: Thursday, 9th January 2025

Kick-off: 7:45 PM (GMT)

Venue: Goodison Park, Liverpool

Competition: FA Cup Third Round

Everton host Peterborough United at Goodison Park in the third round of the FA Cup. Both teams are looking for a morale-boosting performance after challenging spells in their respective leagues. This marks their second-ever meeting in competitive football, with Everton having edged the first encounter back in 2006.

Everton’s struggles in the Premier League have intensified after a 1-0 loss to Bournemouth last weekend, leaving them just one point above the relegation zone. Sean Dyche is under increasing pressure as his side has won just one of their last 11 matches across all competitions.

• Recent Form (Last 6 Matches): WDDDLL
• Key Stats: Everton have scored just one open-play goal in their last 10 matches. The Toffees have progressed from 14 of their last 15 FA Cup ties against lower-league opponents, with the exception being a 3-2 loss to Millwall in 2019.

The Toffees are also dealing with an injury crisis, and their toothless attack has become a major concern. A win here may not ease all the pressure on Dyche, but it would at least delay any immediate managerial decisions.

Peterborough United come into this match on the back of a disappointing 1-0 loss to Wrexham in League One. The Posh sit 19th in the table, just five points above the relegation zone, and have won only one of their last nine league matches.

• Recent Form (Last 6 Matches): WLLLDL
• FA Cup Form: WW (4-2 vs Newport County, 4-3 vs Notts County)
• Key Stats: Peterborough have never beaten top-flight opposition in the FA Cup third round (0 wins in 14 attempts). Their last eight FA Cup ties have averaged 4.8 goals per game, highlighting their attacking approach in the competition.
  

Despite their struggles in League One, Peterborough have shown a knack for high-scoring encounters in the FA Cup, which could make this an entertaining match.

• Total Meetings: 1
• Everton Wins: 1
• Peterborough Wins: 0
• Last Meeting: Everton 2-1 Peterborough United (League Cup, September 2006)
  

This will be the first time the sides meet in the FA Cup. Everton’s record against third-tier opponents suggests they will be confident of progressing.

Sean Dyche is without several key players, including Dwight McNeil and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who are both injured. Youssef Chermiti has also suffered a setback, while Armando Broja is doubtful after picking up an injury in the loss to Bournemouth. Teenager Harrison Armstrong may be handed a starting role in attack.

João Virginia; Patterson, Keane, O'Brien, Mykolenko; Doucouré, Mangala, Armstrong; Harrison, Calvert-Lewin, Ndiaye

Peterborough are without star player Kwame Poku, who has contributed to 15 goals this season. First-choice goalkeeper Jed Steer is doubtful, with Nicholas Bilokapic expected to start. The absence of key players like Rio Adebisi and Mahamadou Susoho could hinder the visitors.

Bilokapic; Johnston, Wallin, Fernandez, Katongo, Hayes; De Havilland, Kyprianou, Collins; Mothersille, Jones

Please note that actual starting lineups may vary depending on final team selections and any last-minute changes.

• Everton's Home Advantage: Playing at Goodison Park should give them an edge.
• Peterborough's Defensive Struggles: While they can be attacking, they've shown defensive vulnerabilities.
• Everton's Need for a Win: The pressure on Dyche and the team necessitates a positive result.
  

• Everton: Sean Dyche will aim to dominate possession and exploit Peterborough’s defensive vulnerabilities through crosses and set-pieces. Despite their Premier League struggles, Everton’s defence has been relatively solid, conceding few goals at home.
• Peterborough United: Expect Darren Ferguson’s side to play on the counter, leveraging their pace up front. Their FA Cup run has been characterised by attacking flair, which they will need to replicate against a superior opponent.
  

Everton will look to avoid the embarrassment of an early FA Cup exit, especially given the pressure on their manager. While Peterborough may trouble the hosts with their attacking intent, Everton’s home advantage and superior quality should see them through, albeit in a closely contested encounter.

1. Everton to Win
2. Under 2.5 Goals
3. Both Teams to Score - No
   

Everton’s last major trophy was their FA Cup victory in 1995, which remains their most recent piece of silverware. Meanwhile, Peterborough’s best-ever FA Cup run came in 1964-65, when they reached the quarter-finals.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.