Everton host London-based opposition in their toughest test yet in their FA Cup run as they take on Tottenham in the fifth round tonight.
The all-Premier League fixture sees two teams vying to win the English domestic cup competition for the first time since the 1990s.
The Toffees have fended off challenges from Championship duo Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham, whilst Spurs have had a more varied journey to the fifth round against non-league Marine FC and Wycombe Wanderers of the Championship.
Everton could be encouraged by the leakiness of Jose Mourinho’s side. Spurs’ defence had failed to keep a clean sheet in six matches between the third round win at Marine and last weekend’s 2-0 league victory over West Bromwich Albion.
However, Carlo Ancelotti looks set to be without a key creative playmaker in James Rodriguez, who is an injury doubt after a calf strain sustained against Manchester United.
In his recent press conference, the manager confirmed that both Rodriguez and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford would undergo late fitness tests ahead of the crunch cup tie with Tottenham.
Twitter:
| The boss says James Rodriguez and Jordan Pickford will face late fitness checks ahead of our #EmiratesFACup tie… https://t.co/sFvVUaPI3o (@Everton)
Injuries and the nature of the cup game could open doors for several players. Opting for a 4-4-2 approach, here is Read Everton’s predicted XI to take on Spurs, with four changes from the team which started at Old Trafford on Saturday…
