In one of only two all-Premier League FA Cup third-round ties to go to a replay, Everton and Crystal Palace are set to face each other once again at Goodison Park on Wednesday.
The initial contest ended in a goalless draw, with both teams now vying for a spot in the next round.
Match Preview:
The original cup clash between Everton and Palace on January 4 saw controversy erupt when Dominic Calvert-Lewin received a red card for a challenge on Nathaniel Clyne.
Despite playing the final 15 minutes with a man advantage, Palace failed to capitalize on their numerical superiority.
Everton successfully appealed against Calvert-Lewin’s sending off, adding fuel to the ongoing VAR debate.
In their recent Premier League battle against Aston Villa, Everton had two goals disallowed by VAR. However, they have not lost an FA Cup replay at Goodison Park since the 1993-94 season.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, showed resilience in their initial stalemate with Everton, improving upon their previous loss to the Toffees in the Premier League.
They have been in decent form, with only one defeat in their last five matches across all competitions. Notably, they secured impressive results against Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion.
However, a fourth FA Cup third-round exit in five seasons would dent their confidence. Palace has also struggled on the road recently, going winless in their last four away matches.
Team News:
Everton will have Dominic Calvert-Lewin available after his red card was rescinded. However, Dele Alli and Ashley Young remain sidelined due to groin and knock injuries, respectively.
Idrissa Gueye is on Africa Cup of Nations duty. Dwight McNeil, who suffered an ankle injury against Crystal Palace, made a surprising recovery and could feature. Joao Virginia is likely to replace Jordan Pickford in goal.
Crystal Palace will likely have the same group of players from their previous encounter with Everton, with Rob Holding and Sam Johnstone nearing returns from ankle and calf injuries.
Michael Olise is expected to miss the rest of the month with a hamstring problem. Cheick Doucoure, Joel Ward, and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi are still unavailable.
Matheus Franca, who made his first start against Everton, will be aiming for an improved performance.
Possible Lineups:
Everton: (4-5-1)
Joao Virginia;
Patterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko;
Harrison, Onana, Garner, Gomes, McNeil;
Calvert-Lewin
Crystal Palace: (4-3-3)
Henderson;
Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell;
Lerma, Richards, Hughes;
Eze, Mateta, Schlupp
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace (a.e.t, Everton to win on penalties)
Both teams enter this replay with a point to prove. Crystal Palace’s attackers had a 13-day rest, which may improve their scoring prowess, while Everton displayed resilience against Aston Villa.
It is difficult to separate the two sides within normal time and extra time. Everton already suffered a penalty shootout defeat in the EFL Cup this season, but we predict them to learn from that experience and emerge victorious from the spot this time.