FA Cup run brings blessed relief for Everton and Frank Lampard
It isn’t often a manager is glad to not be playing in the Premier League but that is what Frank Lampard will be thinking amid the relegation fight Everton are in.
Things have been going badly for the Toffees for quite some time in the world’s most popular league but Lampard has been able to find some success in the FA Cup.
Victories against Brentford and Boreham Wood (as well as Hull City under previous manager Rafael Benitez) has left Everton just one game away from a trip to Wembley.
Lampard has played under the famous arch more than the majority for both club and country but he will be more aware than anyone else that his side are far from guaranteed a ticket to the semi-finals.
This Sunday’s game away at Crystal Palace offers a stern test for the Evertonians but it will be one they are relishing knowing the growing fear of relegation isn’t going to heighten regardless of the result.
Everyone associated with the club will be glad to forget their dire Premier League form for a day and focus on trying to take that next step towards winning silverware.
Cup games are usually used to rotate players who haven’t featured all that often in regular league meetings but it would seem unlikely Lampard would take such a risk at Selhurst Park.
One would expect a full-strength side to be named by the Toffees boss with the FA Cup the last chance of success for the club this campaign.
Patrick Vieira is in a similar position with the Eagles but he may be more likely to rotate his side being comfortably in mid-table.
Sunday’s game, while a much-needed break, can’t be the be-all and end-all of the Toffees’ season though, rather the springboard for a turnaround.
In other Everton news, Alan Stubbs has blasted the players at Goodison Park and told them what they should do to change their fortunes.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook for 24/7 updates on Everton plus more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.