FA Cup 4th Round

Everton v Birmingham City


Saturday, January 23

Everton v Birmingham City
Team news: Everton - Osman (IN), Arteta (IN) -- Birmingham City - Michel (IN)

Verdict: Following just over one month since these two teams played out a 1-1 draw, they do it again here in the 4th round of the FA Cup. Since then both teams have remained undefeated with Birmingham City most impressively putting in a run of 14 games without loss. Everton though have been the more impressive since the turn of the year. The Toffees outplayed current Premier League leaders Arsenal at The Emirates, only to come away with a 2-2 draw and then clinically disposed 5th placed Manchester City by a 2-0 margin. In contrast, Birmingham City scraped through to this stage of the competition after a replay with Championship title contenders, Nottingham Forest, eventually progressing with a fortunate 1-0 result. Prior to this, The Brummies did well to gain a 1-1 result with Manchester United.

The last time these two sides met, Everton completely dominated the game with 19 shots at goal to Birmingham City's 2. Since then, Everton have regained team captain, Phil Neville, from his long term injury in addition to signing Landon Donovan on loan. In addition, the form of Heitinga, Pienaar, and Fellaini has improved remarkably in the last month. Birmingham City have a solid EPL record on first viewing (4-2-4), but they have had a relatively easy draw away from home so it is deceiving. Everton have shown in recent weeks that they are playing like a Top 4 side and deserve favouritism here.

Pick: Everton -0.5AH @1.77 (sportsbet, 10 units)
Everton 1 - 2 Birmingham City