Everton: Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell makes ‘distraction’ verdict on Crystal Palace FA Cup tie
Former Everton striker Kevin Campbell thinks the FA Cup can provide a “welcome distraction” for the Toffees, who face Crystal Palace in the third round on Thursday (4 January).
The Toffees have hit a bit of a rough patch in the Premier League, losing three straight games to Tottenham, Manchester City and Wolves.
That was after four straight wins had seen them claw back the 10-point deduction imposed for a breach of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, a decision the club have challenged.
It means the Toffees are just one point above the drop zone but Campbell – now a prominent pundit – thinks there will be an expectation to have a decent cup run.
Speaking to Sky Sports News (4 January, 10:20am), Campbell said: “A cup run can really galvanise a football club and for what Everton had to go through during the league getting points docked, which is much covered, it gives a welcome distraction if you can go on a cup run.
“A cup run is expected at Goodison Park, I know they’ve struggled in the league over the ears but having a cup run is always nice for the fan base, it’s such a prestigious trophy as well, Everton will be taking it very seriously. Hopefully they can get through.”
Give it a go
Sean Dyche has done a really good job amid difficult circumstances at Goodison Park this season but there is no doubt they have hit a bit of a wobble in the Premier League, partly because a threadbare squad has been stretched.
So, Campbell is right that the FA Cup can provide a bit of a nice distraction from the nitty-gritty of the league and provides Everton with an opportunity to have a bit of a mental reset after a hectic few months.
Palace is not exactly the kind of tie they would have been hoping for mind, as the Eagles will also be sensing an opportunity to go on a bit of a run and will be especially confident of progressing given they are playing at home.
Sometimes cup runs can get in the way of form in the league but for Everton really the emphasis will be on trying to rediscover a bit of form and winning always breeds confidence so Dyche will not be taking this one lightly.
In other Everton news, one staff member has quit Goodison Park to join Manchester City.