Everton kick off their 2024/25 FA Cup campaign with a third-round clash against League One side Peterborough at Goodison Park. The Toffees are desperate to turn their season around after enduring a challenging run of results, while Peterborough hopes to find solace from their league struggles in this high-stakes cup tie.
Everton’s Form and Challenges
Sean Dyche’s Everton side has struggled to find consistency, with their last win dating back to early December. A tough fixture schedule and injuries to key players have added pressure on Dyche, who faces mounting scrutiny from fans and pundits alike. Thursday’s match is a must-win for Everton to build momentum and keep their FA Cup hopes alive.
Peterborough, managed by Darren Ferguson, entered this game in poor form, sitting 19th in League One. The Posh have failed to secure a win in their last five outings, with defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of attacking firepower evident in recent games. Their journey in the FA Cup rarely extends beyond this stage, but the underdogs will relish the opportunity to upset a Premier League opponent.
Match Details
- Location: Goodison Park, Liverpool, England
- Date: Thursday, 9 January 2025
- Kick-off Time: 19:45 GMT / 14:45 ET / 11:45 PT
- Referee: Thomas Bramall
- VAR: Not in use
Team News
Everton
The Toffees remain hampered by injuries to several key players. Dwight McNeil and Youssef Chermiti are sidelined, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s availability is uncertain following a recent knock. Seamus Coleman, James Garner, and Tim Iroegbunam are also unavailable, leaving Dyche with limited options. Beto is likely to lead the line if Calvert-Lewin is rested.
Predicted Lineup (4-4-1-1):
Virginia; Patterson, Keane, O’Brien, Mykolenko; Harrison, Mangala, Armstrong, Ndiaye; Doucoure; Beto.
Peterborough
Peterborough face their own injury woes, with Kwame Poku, Rio Adebisi, and Mahamadou Susoho expected to miss out. Nicholas Bilokapic is set to continue in goal, while the absence of key attacking players could make breaking down Everton’s defense a significant challenge.
Predicted Lineup (4-4-1-1):
Bilokapic; Johnston, Wallin, Fernandez, Katongo; Hayes, De Havilland, Kyprianou, Collins; Mothersille, Jones.
Current Form (Last Five Matches)
Everton:
Peterborough:
Prediction
While Peterborough might relish the opportunity to play without the pressures of their league campaign, their depleted squad and poor form make an upset unlikely. Everton’s struggles have been well-documented, but the Premier League side should have enough quality to edge this encounter.
Prediction: Everton 1-0 Peterborough