Everton v Wigan match preview - FA Cup sixth round
A look ahead to this weekend's FA Cup clash at Goodison Park
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Everton entertain Wigan in the first of the FA Cup quarter-finals hoping to book a semi-final date at Wembley for the second year running. David Moyes’ men needed a replay to dispatch a stubborn Oldham side in the last round and will have to step it up against Premier League opposition.
The Toffee’s boast an impressive record against Roberto Martinez’s side, unbeaten in the last nine previous meetings.
Despite an impressive 3-1 victory over Reading on Saturday, the home side will be hoping that striker Nikica Jelavic can recapture his outstanding goalscoring exploits from last season with the Croatian international struggling in front of goal this term.
The glitz and glamour of an FA Cup tie will be a welcome distraction for Martinez. His side are currently battling a fight for relegation with goal difference the only contributing factor that keeps them out of the drop-zone.
Supporters of the away side could be forgiven for fearing the worst ahead of their trip to Merseyside. Everton’s neighbours and arch rivals Liverpool inflicted a heavy 4-0 defeat on the Latics last weekend and Martinez will be hoping for an improved defensive display.
The home side are unbeaten in the last five games at Goodison Park and will be hoping to continue this run as they search for their first FA Cup since beating Manchester United 1-0 in 1995.
Moyes will almost certainly be without centre back Phil Jagielka after the club announced the England international is to undergo surgery on an ankle injury picked up in the victory over Reading last weekend.
Wigan’s impressive survival from relegation last season shows that they are capable of defying the odds, and they will be hoping that the magic of the cup has not yet been lost.
KICK-OFF: Saturday, 12.45pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS...
Everton 2 (Osman, Jagielka) Wigan 1 (Kone), Premier League, December 2012
Wigan 2 (Kone, Di Santo) Everton 2 (Jelavic, Baines), Premier League, October 2012
Wigan 1 (Neville og) Everton 1, Premier League, February 2012
STATS...
The two sides have met each other on 17 previous occasions. Everton have won nine and lost only two games during this period.
The game against Everton will be Wigan’s first against Premier League opposition in the competition this year.
Everton have scored and conceded in thirteen of their last 17 FA Cup ties
Wigan have not tasted victory at Goodison Park since their first ever visit to the ground in 2005, where they left with a 1-0 victory
ODDS...
Everton to win: 1.45
Wigan to win: 8.6
Draw: 5
TV: Live on ITV 1 at 12.45pm and highlights on ITV 1 at 10.35pm
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments