Arsenal v Everton Betting Tip Both teams to score – 8 March 2014

FA Cup & League Cup Tips

Arsenal suffered a huge setback last weekend when going down 1-0 to Stoke and losing ground on the other side challenging for the Premier League. Arsene Wenger’s men have been known to capitulate at this stage of the season before and it looks like it may happen yet again. They travel to Germany in midweek knowing that they have to score at least twice against Bayern Munich to rescue their Champions League dream but before that, they must overcome an Everton side in the quarter finals of the FA Cup. Having just squeezed by the other Merseyside team, the gunners know that they have another difficult tie ahead of them if they are to progress in this year’s competition. A victory would also provide a much needed boost ahead of that Champions League second leg.

When David Moyes announced he was leaving Everton to take over as manager of Manchester United at the end of last season, you would be forgiven for thinking that the Toffees may find it difficult to replace him. That’s clearly not been the case, however, as Roberto Martinez has came in and moved the club forward in a few short months. After last weekend’s home win over West Ham they find themselves in sixth position – one place and three points above their former manager’s current club. Their attention turns to the FA Cup this weekend and they will be looking to go one step further than they managed last season, when they were knocked out by Martinez’ current club, Wigan.

Wenger will have a dilemma about the side he picks to face Everton with such a big game just a few days away. He’s always been one for freshening things up in the cup competitions but he also has to take into account the fact that it is this competition which provides them with the best chance of winning something. And having went nearly nine years without a trophy, the pressure may just be enough to play his strongest team. That should mean a recall for record signing Mesut Ozil who was dropped last Saturday. He’s yet to live up to his massive price tag but a couple of big performances in the next week could go some way to repaying the faith Wenger has shown in him.

One man who all Evertonians would have been delighted to see back in the blue jersey is Romelu Lukaku who returned from injury to net the winning goal late on against the Hammers. The Belgian went off injured when his side went down 4-0 to Liverpool in the derby at the end of January and his presence upfront was definitely missed. With so much pace in the side – especially down the flanks – having a focal point in the opposition box is of huge benefit so it’s no surprise to see that Everton’s consistency dropped slightly when Lukaku was missing.

It’s set to be a really exciting match and one which could a long way to affecting who wins this season’s FA Cup. The two have already met in the league at the Emirates and it was a tightly contested match-up which ended 1-1. I wouldn’t be surprised if it had to go to a replay to sort the sides out but with Lukaku back and scoring again, I strongly fancy both sides to find the net.

Both teams to score 4/5 @ Betvictor