‘Could be another close match’ – Michael Owen predicts tough FA Cup encounter for Everton
Michael Owen has backed Everton to come out victorious in their FA Cup fourth-round match against Sheffield Wednesday but warns it will not be easy.
The Blues host the Championship strugglers on Sunday evening with a place in the fifth round up for grabs but they will be wary of taking them lightly after they were nearly humiliated against Rotherham United.
Carlo Ancelotti named a mixed side against Rotherham with the likes of James Rodriguez and Lucas Digne complimented by youngster Anthony Gordon but they were forced to extra-time before coming out victorious.
In his BetVictor blog, former Liverpool striker Owen tipped the Blues for a 2-0 win at Goodison Park but warned they could be in for another tough encounter, saying: “They’ll certainly be put to the test here. Wednesday are undefeated in their last five matches, picking up four wins and a draw.
“Again, this could be another close match. I do, however, feel that Everton have enough quality and if they’re on their game, they should go through.”
With six wins from their last eight game the Toffees should certainly be in confident form despite the good run of results recorded by their visitors.
No repeat of Rotherham
With Everton in a comfortable position in the Premier League, there is no reason why they cannot attack the FA Cup with the same gusto for the rest of the season.
The Blues have not picked up a major trophy since an FA Cup success in 1995 but with Ancelotti at the helm they have an elite level manager who is one of the most decorated managers in Europe.
In Sheffield Wednesday they will face another Championship side hovering at the bottom of the table, just as they did against Rotherham in the previous round.
Everton were lethargic against their lower-league counterparts on January 9 with The Millers forcing the game into extra-time before Abdoulaye Doucoure’s winner secured their safe passage into the fourth round.
While Wednesday are 23rd in the Championship, thanks in part to a points deduction at the start of the season, they are on a run of five games without defeat that includes four wins.
However, by the time they visit Goodison Park Everton will have had 12 days rest so there are surely now excuses for starting slow on Sunday.
In other Everton news, see our exclusive interview with Kevin Campbell to read his selection thoughts ahead of the FA Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday.