FA Cup: Can the Cup Overfloweth with Joy for One of These Giants?

Manchester United vs Everton

The FA Cup is the most famous cup competition in the world and both Manchester United and Everton fans the world over can recall magical days at Wembley when their side tasted its glory.

Indeed, there were times when a place in the showpiece occasion of the season was commonplace for these clubs.

Everton, whose last major trophy came in the 1995 final against United, reached three successive finals in the mid-1980s, while United – whose last success in the competition came in 2016 – did the same in the mid-1990s.

So, with two sides who value the competition so highly, could they be about to produce more FA Cup highlights at Old Trafford on Friday night?

Talking Points

United are going through their longest spell without a trophy since a six-year gap between FA Cup triumphs in 1977 and 1983 and would love to add another one to their cabinet.

They are currently fourth in the Premier League and are showing real progress, unlike Everton who had a largely miserable time of it to date with demoralising four straight defeats in league and cup immediately before and after the World Cup.

While many may point to the fact manager Frank Lampard kept the Toffees up last season and has been dealt cruel blows in terms of losing Richarlison (to Spurs last summer) and being unable to call upon the injury-prone Dominic Calvert-Lewin for large chunks of the campaign, the reality is the team hasn’t really advanced under him.

When he took over from Rafael Benitez in January nearly 12 months ago, the Toffees were sat in 16th and four points above the bottom three, and ended up finishing the same amount of points above the relegation zone last season, while they are now firmly in the bottom three.

That is after midweek results including, on Tuesday, when they shipped four home goals with a demoralising defeat at home to Brighton.

After being booed off at half-time, the Toffees fell apart completely after the restart as Brighton scored three goals in a remarkable six-minute spell early in the second half.

Chants of “sack the board” were heard at full-time as Lampard’s side remain in a perilous position.

As it stands, it is hard to see how much longer he has in the hot seat and his own position could well be determined if they slip to another defeat in the FA Cup.

Last weekend, in their first trip to Manchester of the week, they showed real character and received a much-needed morale boost at the same time when they earned a surprise draw at reigning champions Manchester City thanks to Demarai Gray’s sublime long-range goal.

Which Everton will turn up this time?

History

Since their first meeting in 1892, when United were known as Newton Heath, this has been a traditional English football heavyweight clash.

For so long in the 1980s Everton had the edge; in the Premier League era United have largely been the dominant force.

Overall, they have 91 triumphs to Everton’s 71 with a further 47 games ending level.

Two seasons ago United won twice at Goodison Park, inspired by Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani respectively in the top flight and League Cup. Of course, on both occasions due to Covid restrictions, Goodison was less hostile than usual for visiting teams.

When they met at Goodison Park in the Premier League in October, United fought behind from an early Alew Iwobi special to record a fine 2-1 win, courtesy of goals from Antony and a landmark strike for Cristiano Ronaldo.

It was honours even in their most recent meeting at Old Trafford 15 months ago when the sides drew 1-1 as Anthony Martial and Andros Townsend traded goals.

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP FA Cup betting odds back the hosts, including 1X2 @ 1.45 and Asian Handicap -1.25 @ 2.08.

Everton, meanwhile, are priced 1X2 @ 5.40 and Asian Handicap +1.00 @ 2.06.

The draw, which would mean a replay once again this season after a few campaigns of one-off ties, is on offer @ 4.10.

Another 2-1 United success is available @ 7.40 with Correct Score.

The goal options include over 2.75 @ 2.13, total goal 0-1 @ 3.15, 2-3 @ 1.84 and 4-6 @ 3.30.

This is a cup tie both teams will want to win and, in many ways, it may help Everton they are not facing the pressure of a Premier League relegation scrap.

I expect it to be close and my ** tip is Half Time Full Time Draw Home @ 3.90.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.