Everton v Oldham: Toffees to stick three past the Latics

26Feb 2013

FA Cup

Christian Crowther previews the fifth-round replay at Goodison Park, where the winner will get to host Wigan in the quarter-finals...

Everton v Oldham, Tuesday 19:45, ITV, Match Odds: Everton 1.17, Oldham 21.0, The Draw 9.0

It's likely that steam will still be rising visibly from the ears of David Moyes when Oldham arrive at Goodison Park, after the Everton boss went ballistic at referee Lee Mason on Saturday for allowing more than the allotted stoppage time, which in turn enabled Norwich to grab the winner.

However, Moyes and his players will have to regain their focus sharpish in order to pass this tricky little assignment of overcoming Oldham.

The knowledge that this competition represents all hopes of that elusive trophy for the Scotsman will surely be enough to spur his side on to achieve this.

Having already accounted for Liverpool at Boundary Park, it was no surprise to see their hero of that round, Matt Smith, pop up with the stoppage-time equaliser to force this midweek replay, even after Everton had dominated for most of the match.

In reality though, as terrific an achievement as it's been for Oldham to arrive at this point, the League One side's chances of extending this fantastic run have in all probability gone.

Amid their own surroundings, with a boisterous atmosphere and questionable playing surface, Oldham were always going to trouble the Premier League club, but in fairness Everton were by far the better side.

In the second half particularly, Moyes' men had numerous chances to put the tie beyond their lower-league opponents but Nikica Jelavic, Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar were all guilty of squandering chances.

Back at Goodison Park however, you'd expect that Everton's superior quality in possession, on a surface to match, will ensure that the Toffees create more than enough opportunities to see the Latics off.

Everton Total Goals

When Everton last entertained opposition from the third tier, they duly dispatched Leyton Orient 5-0 in the Capital One Cup back in August. The Toffees are so strong at home this season, with just one loss from 14 matches in all competitions, and, if they can score early, it could be a long night for the visitors. Having scored five goals in their last two Premier League home games, you'd expect to see a few more go in here.

Over/Under 3.5 goals

On the premise that Everton will notch at least three against League One Oldham, backing another goal for either side appears justifiable. It could be that the Toffees undertake a boot-filling exercise or Oldham could pinch one on the counter or from a set-piece as they did in the original encounter. It was evident against Norwich that Everton have their problems from defending high balls in the box and this could be exposed once more. They have kept just two clean sheets in 26 games.

Best Bet: Back Everton to score three goals or more @ 1.92

Other Recommended Bet: Back Over 3.5 goals @ 2.02