- Date and Time: Thursday, January 9, 2024. 19:45 GMT+1
- Venue: Goodison Park, Liverpool, England
Everton vs Peterborough Preview
Everton
Sean Dyche’s long-term future is in the air at Everton, meaning there will be extra emphasis on their third-round FA Cup tie against Peterborough on Thursday. The team have struggled in the final third of the field throughout this season, netting just once across their last four in the Premier League.
Their troubles are evident based on their stats, as they’ve scored just seven times from an xG of 14.87 from open play. A strong defensive backbone has typically been their biggest strength. However, Everton has already allowed 21 goals from an xGA of 25.46 from open play.
▶️ Sean Dyche has provided a positive update on potential returns to team training for James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam 🔵 pic.twitter.com/FArzEiZ7WJ
— Everton (@Everton) January 7, 2025
They should find life slightly easier against League One opposition this weekend. But, the chances they’re creating are minimal at present, and that will be impacted once again this week as they go without the injured Dwight McNeil. Dyche could tweak his formation to test out a front two of Armando Broja and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Peterborough
Peterborough will be looking to achieve the rare feat of reaching the fourth round of the FA Cup this week. They’ve only gone further than the third round in one of the last six seasons.
However, Darren Ferguson will expect more from his players. Their run of three defeats in four has dropped them to 19th in the League One standings.
📷 Up for the cup 🏆
Check out these classic pics from our archives 🎩#pufc | @EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/8xq4hJlBAa
— Peterborough United (@theposh) January 7, 2025
Peterborough have averaged an xG of 1.21 in the league this season and scored an average of 1.71 goals per game. That stat is slightly lower based on away matches, as they have scored just 1.36 on the road.
It could also be a concern that they’ve averaged 1.91 goals per game in matches played on the road. The club have failed to score in 27% of their matches away from home.
Peterborough will likely need to adopt a more defensive approach against the opposition this week. In League One, they’ve been a team that likes to play a possession-focused style. At least Ferguson will have a fully fit squad available.
Bet hereEverton vs Peterborough Prediction
- Pick: Everton to Win
- Odds: 1.33 (22Bet)
- Score prediction: Everton 1-0 Peterborough
It’s been difficult to support Everton in many matches this season, but they look like things may go in their favour against an out-of-sorts Peterborough.
The Toffees have been defensively solid throughout the season. This could be an excellent opportunity to get back on track after sub-par displays against Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest.
Our attention turns to the @EmiratesFACup 🏆 pic.twitter.com/D07r1fQwAU
— Everton (@Everton) January 7, 2025
Playing two up top will give Everton more in the final third of the field. Dominic Calvert-Lewin could excel with having a partner to play off.
Despite that, we expect it to be a testing match, and the crowd could turn on the players if their team don’t score early. However, Everton have progressed from 14 of their last 15 FA Cup ties against lower-ranked opposition.
Everton vs Peterborough Prediction, Betting Tip
- Pick: Under 2.5 Goals
- Odds: 2.53 (22Bet)
Despite the positions between these sides in the league pyramid, a low-scoring affair is likely at Goodison Park. Peterborough will be more structured with a defensive approach, and we expect them to concede fewer high-quality chances. That style of play could stifle an Everton side that have limited quality in the forward third. They will likely rely on a goal from a set piece to get past their opponents.
Alternatively, Everton’s picking up more fouls could be an interesting angle. In League One, Peterborough only averages 9.36 fouls per game, while their opponents average 10.89.
There could also be a need for Everton to concede fouls if the ball is turned over when Peterborough tries to hit on the counterattack.
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