Everton kicks off their 2024/25 FA Cup campaign with a third-round clash against League One side Peterborough United on Thursday night. The stakes couldn’t be higher for Sean Dyche and his team, as pressure mounts following back-to-back Premier League defeats.
Meanwhile, Peterborough enters this matchup in dismal form, desperately looking for a spark to rejuvenate their season.
It’s been a tough start to the new year for Everton, who have gone over a month without a victory. Their last win came on December 4, and since then, the Toffees have struggled to find their rhythm. Sean Dyche’s position as manager has come under increasing scrutiny, with fans growing restless after a string of uninspiring performances.
Thursday’s FA Cup tie is more than just a fixture for Everton; it’s an opportunity to restore confidence and rebuild momentum. The 1995 FA Cup winners must seize this chance to deliver a commanding performance against their lower-league opponents.
Peterborough United arrives at Goodison Park in poor form, sitting 19th in League One and without a win in their last five matches. Darren Ferguson’s side has fallen far short of expectations this season, following two strong campaigns that saw them finish sixth and fourth in League One.
The Posh’s FA Cup history doesn’t inspire much confidence either. Since 2009, they have only advanced beyond the third round three times. Adding to their woes, injuries to key players like Kwame Poku further weaken their chances of pulling off an upset against Premier League opposition.
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Team News: Everton
Sean Dyche’s squad continues to deal with injury concerns. Dwight McNeil remains sidelined, while striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin faces a late fitness test after sustaining an ankle knock in training. If Calvert-Lewin isn’t risked, Beto will lead the line for Everton.
Defensive stalwarts like Seamus Coleman and young talent Youssef Chermiti are also unavailable, forcing Dyche to rely on a mix of experience and youth. Here’s Everton’s predicted lineup:
Predicted lineup (4-4-1-1): Virginia; Patterson, Keane, O’Brien, Mykolenko; Harrison, Mangala, Armstrong, Ndiaye; Doucoure; Beto.
Team News: Peterborough
Peterborough’s struggles are compounded by injuries to key players. Kwame Poku, a vital figure in their attack, is ruled out, while Rio Adebisi and Mahamadou Susoho are also likely absentees. Goalkeeper Nicholas Bilokapic is expected to start again, with first-choice Jed Steer still recovering.
Predicted lineup (4-4-1-1): Bilokapic; Johnston, Wallin, Fernandez, Katongo; Hayes, De Havilland, Kyprianou, Collins; Mothersille, Jones.
Key Areas to Watch
- Everton’s Attack: The Toffees have struggled to score this season, with their attack often lacking creativity and clinical finishing. Players like Abdoulaye Doucoure and Beto will need to step up to ensure Everton can put Peterborough to the sword.
- Peterborough’s Defense: The Posh’s backline has been leaky all season, and they’ll need to stay disciplined to avoid being overwhelmed by Everton’s pressure.
- Midfield Battle: Everton’s midfield will aim to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game. For Peterborough, disrupting that rhythm will be crucial if they hope to cause an upset.
Match Prediction
Peterborough’s poor form and injury concerns make this a tall order for the League One side. While Everton hasn’t been at their best, they still possess enough quality to edge past their opponents. Sean Dyche’s side will likely aim for a pragmatic approach, focusing on securing the win rather than chasing an emphatic scoreline.
Prediction: Everton 1-0 Peterborough
It may not be pretty, but Everton should have just enough to scrape through to the next round. Expect a tense affair at Goodison Park, with the home side relying on their superior quality to get the job done.
How to Watch Everton vs Peterborough
- Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025
- Time: 19:45 GMT / 14:45 ET / 11:45 PT
- Location: Goodison Park, Liverpool, England
- TV Coverage (UK): BBC Sport Web, BBC iPlayer, BBC Red Button
- TV Coverage (US): ESPN+, ESPN App
- TV Coverage (Canada): Sportsnet World Now, Sportsnet Now
Everton’s FA Cup clash with Peterborough is more than just another game; it’s a defining moment for Sean Dyche and his players. A win could provide the spark they need to turn their season around, while anything less would heap further pressure on the beleaguered manager.
For Peterborough, this is an opportunity to enjoy a break from their League One struggles and test themselves against top-flight opposition. While the odds are against them, the magic of the FA Cup means anything is possible.
All eyes will be on Goodison Park to see if Everton can deliver when it matters most or if Peterborough can script a giant-killing story to remember. One thing is certain: the pressure is on. Let’s see who rises to the occasion.
