Everton’s target this season is to qualify for Europe and seeing off the likes of Newcastle at home is essential to achieving that aim. The Magpies have lost five straight Premier League fixtures, although they did at least show a bit more attacking intent when beaten by Leeds in midweek.
Fulham enjoyed a convincing victory over West Brom in London earlier this season and are taken to confirm their superiority at The Hawthorns. That was one of only two Premier League wins for the Cottagers, but their recent form in this competition has been rock-solid, with six draws in eight outings.
Bournemouth received a welcome boost to morale in the FA Cup and are now fancied to get their Championship campaign back on track at Reading. The Cherries scored four unanswered goals in the second half when coming from behind to beat the Royals at Vitality Stadium a couple of months ago.
Chelsea begin life after Frank Lampard’s exit with what looks a very winnable Premier League match against Wolves at Stamford Bridge. The visitors have lacked balance since losing star striker Raul Jimenez to injury and a poor run of results now seems to be really affecting their confidence.
Man Utd and Sheff Utd are at opposite ends of the Premier League table, but this match may not be the walk-over many people expect. The Red Devils could be tempted to ease off a touch in between two recent clashes with Liverpool and a tricky trip to Arsenal, plus the Blades have troubled them before.
Championship basement dwellers Wycombe are expected to find Tottenham too hot to handle in Monday night’s FA Cup fourth-round tie. However, Wanderers are in good form going forward at present, drawing a blank up front in only one of their last nine matches in all competitions.
West Brom were the last team to avoid defeat against Manchester City and we’re hoping they have their moments again in Tuesday’s Premier League clash. City have flourished since Albion drew 1-1 at Etihad Stadium in Slaven Bilic’s final match as manager, but the Baggies are showing some spirit themselves.
Everton are enjoying an impressive season in the Premier League and a favourable draw could also have them dreaming of FA Cup success. The Toffees are again at home to Championship opposition from South Yorkshire and are expected to put out a strong side as they return to action after a 12-day break.
Cheltenham face the unenviable task of trying to prevent Manchester City from rattling off a 10th straight victory in Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round clash. The visitors lifted this trophy two years ago and reached the semis last term, so it is safe to assume Pep Guardiola will be taking the tie seriously.
Chorley stunned a Covid-hit Derby in round three of the FA Cup but are now expected to be brought back down to earth by Wolves at Victory Park. Wanderers boss Nuno Espirito Santo has shown plenty of respect for this competition and will be keen to advance after a poor run of Premier League results.
Frank Lampard’s job could be on the line when Chelsea host Luton in the FA Cup and we’re backing the Blues to fight for their manager’s future. The Hatters are a likeable outfit who have done better than expected since moving up to the Championship, but they were beaten 3-0 by Man Utd in the EFL Cup.
Porto and Benfica are both playing catch-up behind Sporting in Portugal’s Primeira Liga this season but the Dragons can put pressure on the leaders here. Sergio Conceicao’s side beat Benfica three times last term, twice in the league on route to a title triumph and in August’s cup final on neutral territory.
Birmingham boss Aitor Karanka could badly do with a positive result to ease the pressure on him as he prepares to return to his former club Middlesbrough on Saturday. Blues have taken just one point from their last six league games and are only four points clear of the relegation zone.
West Ham are well placed to have a good crack at the FA Cup this season following some solid Premier League results and should brush aside Stockport. Hammers boss David Moyes reached the final of this competition back in 2009 with Everton and three other cup semis, so he does take knockout events seriously.