Everton vs. Blackpool Preview

Everton will have the chance to boost their mediocre season by reaching the last eight of the F.A Cup when they face Blackpool in the fifth round at Goodison Park on Saturday February 18.

The Toffees have one of the best F.A Cup pedigrees in the country having won the competition on five occasions and been runners-up eight times.

A victory against Ian Holloway’s men would propel Everton within arms-length of a 14th Wembley final – a prospect which has been made slightly more achievable following the exit of both Manchester clubs.

Blackpool have won the F.A Cup once courtesy of their triumph in 1953 and it will probably be quite some time before they can get serious about doubling their haul.

For Holloway and the Seasiders, it is promotion back to the top flight which is the main priority moving forward and it is debatable whether further progress in the competition could indeed harm their chances of achieving that goal.

Indeed, Blackpool have really been in the proverbial zone since the turn of the year, racking up win after win in the Npower Championship to propel themselves up to fifth from a mid-table position at Christmas.

And now, after seeming as if a second season in the Championship would be inevitable, the Tangerines are within touching distance of the top two and automatic promotion back to the promised land.

Without a doubt, if Blackpool can transfer their current domestic form through to this match, then Everton could have a real problem. The Toffees have struggled at Goodison on numerous occasions this season – especially against teams which they have been expected to beat. That is, in many respects, why David Moyes’ men have failed to take off so far and currently occupy 11th position in the table – clear of a relegation fight whilst being too far behind the leaders to mount a charge for a European place.

The two clubs fought out a 2-2 draw and an eight goal thriller last season, with Everton prevailing in the latter 3-5.

But with a free flowing Blackpool bang in form and unlikely to view the cup as their priority, a reversal of that result may be worth a punt with the pressure off at 13/2.

There is not a great amount of difference between the teams at the top of the Championship and those at the foot of the Premier League, so Blackpool should be able to make an impact at Goodison if Everton are as inept as they have been against the likes of West Brom and Bolton.

The visitors also bring a wealth of experience to the table so they are in no danger of folding amidst the occasion.

Veteran Kevin Phillips still cannot stop scoring whilst Barry Ferguson has rediscovered his best form anchoring a settled side which is growing in confidence game by game.

It is arguable whether a Blackpool win would even be termed a shock result all things taken into account and there won’t be many better speculative bets holding a real chance than the 13/2 on offer this forthcoming cup weekend.

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12/02/2012     © Frixo 2024