Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the FA Cup match.
Everton
This is the third game for Everton in January. The two previous games in the Premier League and FA Cup ended in goalless draws. The side hasn’t won their last 6 games, with 3 draws and 3 defeats in the Premier League and both English cups. This season sees Everton struggling to avoid relegation. They’re only 1 point ahead of the relegation zone. Although, they’re too low just because they were deducted 10 points by the administrative decision.
Crystal Palace
This is the second game for Crystal Palace in January. The side is 14th in the Premier League, 4 points ahead of Everton. Just like Everton, Crystal Palace don’t score many goals, and they have quite a solid defensive line, conceding almost the same number of goals as the teams occupying the positions of the European cups qualification.
Everton – Crystal Palace prediction
This replay match is likely to have few goals, too. One goal can be decisive. Everton are focused on defence, the side doesn’t have a strong forward. The same applies to Crystal Palace. I believe that the home side will lead the game. They have Jordan Pickford, probably, the best goalkeeper in the Premier League. He can keep the clean sheet, but it’s going to be hard for Everton to score, as their forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin was sent off in the first game.
Crystal Palace won’t have Jordan Ayew in the squad as he’s left for the Africa Cup of Nations. Their key forward Michael Olise and the main goalkeeper Sam Johnstone may miss the game, too, due to injuries.
