THE live match from Tuesday's FA Cup Third Round replays features two Premier League clubs. Can Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) pick the winning bet?
West Ham v Everton | Tuesday 19:45 | BT Sport 1
I must say, it's very very hard to get excited about this match. Two Premier League clubs with bigger things on their agenda clash in this no doubt unwanted replay.
I've never really agreed with those who call for the end of FA Cup replays, but matches like tonight certainly make me think twice about my position.
Surely none of these sides really want or need this fixture? West Ham are enjoying their best league season in three decades and will have eyes on a Top 6 place come the end of the campaign.
In the opposite corner you'll find Everton, they've had a poor season it has to be said. The Merseyside club are just three points above the relegation zone and haven't won a game of any sort for a month. Their Europa League campaign has been more successful though, and they resume affairs in that competition in the last 32.
Anyway, I'm blethering aren't I? One way of looking at this tie is the slump of West Ham and the possible rise of Everton. How? Well West Ham have now failed to win any of their last five matches, while Everton drew with champions Man City on Saturday and secured a morale boosting stoppage-time equaliser in this first match last week.
There are rumours that the Everton players have confronted manager Roberto Martinez about being more direct and he's taken their comments onboard. This approach was put to the test in the last two matches with decent results.
Despite West Ham's excellent home record (one defeat in nine) I am going to try and find a way to get with Everton here. Martinez has spoke of the cup being an “important competition” for his club, and there's no doubt a decent run would raise spirits at Goodison. It might just be that these last two games have triggered a turnaround at the Merseyside club. I hope so.
I'll back Everton off 0 on the Asian Handicap at 5/4 with BetVictor. A 90 minute draw would mean my stake would be returned. That sounds ok to me.
Best Bet
West Ham v Everton – Everton 0 Asian Handicap (5/4 BetVictor)
