Everton’s Premier League campaign already appears to be coming to a stuttering end after just 23 games, so Saturday’s FA Cup tie could prove to be Marco Silva’s last chance to save a season.
The Blues had a dismal day on the south coast last weekend, a long range James Ward-Prowse strike and an own goal from Lucas Digne sealed the points but the 2-1 score line could’ve been very different.
Everton were dreadful on the day and were completely outclassed by a side who started the day in 16th place.
The Toffees’ third round tie against League Two high flyers Lincoln City didn’t give fans much to shout about but advancing to the next round was all that mattered on the day.
Silva will know full way his side will need to be on top of their game in order to avoid an upset.
Everyone involved with the club knows that May marks the 24 year mark since the Blues’ last trophy. An embarrassing number for a club of Everton’s stature.
But there is no reason Everton can’t advance to the latter stages of this tournament and potentially go the whole way. Liverpool are already out and after this round of fixtures one of Arsenal or Manchester United will join them. There are three other all PL clashes in the fourth round.
Millwall sit 19th in the Championship after 28 games, six points above the relegation zone.
In their last six clashes, they have won four and lost just once.
A 2-1 win over Hull City in the previous round set up the meeting at the Den.
The two sides last faced off in 2006, in this competition. Everton won 1-0 at Goodison in a replay after a 1-1 draw down south.
Team news —
Everton have a full squad minus Phil Jagielka to pick from.
It is unclear how strong the Merseysiders will go with a clash against Huddersfield coming just three days later.
Man in the middle —
Micheal Oliver will referee Everton’s fourth round tie. Mr Oliver took charge of the Blues’ 5-1 battering of Burnley in December. In 27 games this season, he has shown a whopping 88 yellow cards and has dismissed eight players.