Everton will face Bournemouth in the fourth round of the FA Cup on home soil having won three Premier League fixtures on the bounce under new manager David Moyes.
Less than a month ago, Everton went into their third-round FA Cup tie against Peterborough United without a manager and with relegation concerns surrounding the side. However, goals from Beto and Iliman Ndiaye secured a 2-0 victory for the Toffees.
The tables have also turned for the better for Everton who welcomed former boss David Moyes back with open arms and he has brought in an immediate uptick in form.
Although his second spell at Goodison Park began with a loss to Aston Villa, they have won three on the trot since then, becoming the first team outside the top eight in the Premier League to manage this feat, while scoring eight goals in the process.
With a comfortable cushion of nine points between them and the relegation zone, while having a game in hand over the other contenders at the bottom, Everton will now turn their sights toward having a strong cup run.
The Toffees haven’t reached a major final since 2009 and the last time that they won the FA Cup was 30 years ago.
Taking on Andoni Iraola’s impressive Bournemouth side at home ought to be advantageous. Everton have won eight of their last 10 FA Cup matches at Goodison Park but the nightmares of a fourth-round loss to Luton Town last season might be fresh in the minds of the supporters.
Bournemouth have also caused the Toffees headaches lately, having won seven of the last nine matches between the two teams including the two Premier League fixtures this season.
It was at Goodison Park where Everton spectacularly imploded against Bournemouth back in August. Leading 2-0 in the 87th minute, the Cherries scored three goals in quick succession to stun the hosts in the Premier League.
Seamus Coleman has struggled with injuries this season and is expected to be out for this contest. Everton continue to miss reliable names in the forward line with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Armando Broja, and Youssef Chermiti all out for a considerable period. The Toffees will also miss Orel Mangala and Dwight McNeil.
Beto is likely to start following his impressive brace against Leicester City a week ago while fan favourite Iliman Ndiaye is undroppable at the moment. New loan signing Carlos Alcaraz could also make his Everton debut here.
Kick-Off Date: 8 February 2025; Saturday
Kick-Off Time: 3:00 PM
Referee: John Brooks
Assistants: Lee Betts and Akil Howson
Fourth Official: Anthony Backhouse