FA CUP PREVIEW: THE CHERRIES VS THE TOFFEES

7th Febuary 2025 | By Jamie Speller

Bournemouth head to Merseyside for the second time in a week as they face Everton in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Recent Form

The Cherries come into this fixture after a 2-0 loss to Liverpool last Saturday, with a Mohamed Salah brace securing three points for the visitors.

However, prior to that, Bournemouth had been unbeaten since November 23rd against Brighton, boasting a strong run of eight wins and four draws. This streak included dominant victories such as a 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest and a 4-1 triumph away at Newcastle.

Adding to their recent success, Bournemouth have picked up three Premier League awards: Andoni Iraola won Manager of the Month, David Brooks secured Goal of the Month (notably against Everton), and Justin Kluivert was named Player of the Month. It’s a well-deserved recognition of the hard work put in by the entire club.

Everton, meanwhile, have found form under David Moyes, winning three of his four games in charge. They currently sit 16th in the league, but crucially, nine points above the relegation zone—highlighting the impact of Moyes' arrival.

The last meeting between these two sides was just last month, on January 4th, when Bournemouth secured a victory thanks to Brooks’ award-winning goal. That was against a Dyche-led Everton—will the result be different with Moyes at the helm?

Team News

Bournemouth remain plagued by injuries, with all three right-backs and both main strikers still sidelined. However, Dango Ouattara has impressed up front, and Lewis Cook has adapted well at full-back despite being a natural midfielder.

Everton will be without Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Armando Broja, meaning Beto—who netted twice in their 4-0 win over Leicester—is likely to start. Given that emphatic victory, Everton are expected to stick with the same lineup.

I hope Iraola sees the FA Cup as a real opportunity to go far, or even win it. With that in mind, I’d like to see a strong starting XI, similar to those used in the league. If a youngster is given a chance, Ben Winterburn could get minutes or even start in midfield.

Prediction

Despite Everton’s form and cup experience, I don’t see them beating Bournemouth. However, I do think they’ll find the net. The Cherries may have a nervy start, but I expect them to take control and score two or three goals to put the game beyond doubt.

Final prediction: Bournemouth 3-1 Everton, with the Cherries advancing to the next round.