Our preview of the big FA Cup game against Everton...
FA Cup 4th Round
Saturday 25th January
The Lamex Stadium, Stevenage, SG2 8RH
Kick-off: 17:30
Weather forecast: 8°c, heavy clouds, rain.
Tickets:
Tickets are sold out for the game! Sign up to Boro Tickets to make sure of your place for upcoming home games.
TV:
The game will be on BT Sport from 16:45 on Saturday. Jake Humphrey, Ray Stubbs, Joey Barton and David James will all be reporting on the game live from the Lamex!
Last time we met:
The footballing gods have pulled off a very rare feat – next Saturday will be the second time Stevenage have faced Everton this season! Stevenage only last played Everton in late August at Goodison Park, as both teams took part in a classic David v Goliath battle in the Capital One Cup.
Luke Freeman sent the travelling Boro fans into raptures in the first half as he gave Boro the lead after terrific work from Tounkara on the touch-line. Everton managed to make it 1-1 before half-time as Deulofeu dribbled his way to just inside the box before firing past Day. Boro were made to defend like lions throughout the second half, and even had a golden opportunity to win the tie when Evertonian, Greg Tansey let rip from distance only to see his wonderful effort saved by Tim Howard.
Extra-time was as nervy as expected but despite brave resilience, Everton got the late winner as Fellaini pounced on a loose ball to send the Toffees through.
Team news:
Dean Parrett is a major doubt for the game as he’s still recovering from a knee injury. Steve Arnold is definitely out but is progressing well in his rehabilitation. Filipe Morais received a dead leg on Saturday but is likely to be back to fitness come the weekend. Zoko has not been training all week but is unlikely to miss out.
For Everton Seamus Coleman is OUT. The impressive full-back picked up a minor soft tissue injury and won’t be available for selection. Ross Barkley and Steven Pienaar are also unavailable and long-term absentees Kone, Gibson and Deulofeu are also out.
View from the dressing room:
Betting:
As expected, Boro are big underdogs for the game - 17/2 with Sky Bet. For Boro to nick a 1-0 win you can get a huge 22/1 for your money or if you fancy Stevenage to win 3-1 just like they did against Newcastle, you'd get 80/1.
Sign up to Sky Bet through any of the attached links to earn yourself a free weekly £5 bet and to also help the club earn extra revenue!
Recent form:
Life under new boss Roberto Martinez couldn’t be going any better for Toffees fans. He’s improved an already excellent side and are in prime position for a top 4 finish in the Premier League. Everton have only lost three games all season – a remarkable achievement which shows the progress the club are making.
How they got here:
Everton comfortably saw off QPR at home in the Third Round of the FA Cup, their first game in the competition. Any chance of an upset was quickly extinguished as Barkley and Jelavic scored before half-time to all but end the tie. They didn’t let off in the second half either as Jelavic and Coleman completed the rout, making a final score of 4-0.