Season › 2011-12 › News

Everton vs Blackpool

Match Preview

Everton have the FA Cup quarter finals in their sights as they entertain Championship side Blackpool in another home tie in front of a Goodison faithful yearning for a return to Wembley and an opportunity to make right on the disappointment of 2009.

Unbeaten now in six games in all competitions, the Blues have come a long way since the debacle against Bolton at the beginning of last month but they might have to do without both of their two wing threats.

Steven Pienaar is cup-tied and a bout of flu could put paid to Landon Donovan's second swangsong. With the postponement of the Anfield derby, this was supposed to be the American's last game before he returns to LA Galaxy but David Moyes has confirmed that he is doubtful because of illness.

That could provide an opportunity for Seamus Coleman to make his return to first-team action after recovering from a thigh injury, while Royston Drenthe and Magaye Gueye wlll be in the frame to start on the other flank. Ross Barkley might also figure in the manager's thinking after being frozen out of senior action for the past few months.

Nikica Jelavic is fit again, though, after missing the win over Chelsea with a stomach strain but he will probably have to be content with another spot on the bench given Denis Stracqualursi's form.

Elsewhere in the side, Phil Jagielka has resumed training as he takes the final step in his rehabilitation from medial knee ligament damage but he, along with Leon Osman and Jack Rodwell, will be looking at March for possible returns to action.

A home tie against lower-division opposition provides the Blues with a great chance of making the last eight which could end up being an all-Premiership affair if results fall as expected.

» Read more

• Live Matchday Forum

---

---

Reader Comments (47)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer

About these ads