Overview
After three draws against Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City, Everton have returned to earth with two consecutive defeats against Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth.
These results have left the Merseyside team unable to completely separate themselves from the relegation zone in the Premier League. Therefore, coach Sean Dyche's team needs a mental boost to support them in the upcoming journey.
Against Peterborough in the FA Cup, Everton have the best chance of winning any of their last five games and are currently 19th in the League One table.
For Peterborough, a win to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup will be less important than staying in England's third tier.
Everton are struggling to score goals. They have only scored 15 goals in the Premier League this season and have scored just one goal in their last five games.
However, Peterborough's defence will be a much easier problem than their Premier League opponents. Moreover, the defence will be a strong point for Everton as they have only conceded 25 goals in the tournament. Many "big guys" have even failed to find a way into Jordan Pickford's goal.
Overall, it will be difficult for Peterborough to put enough pressure on Everton and look for a surprise. With home advantage and only having to face a weaker opponent, Everton will know how to win the FA Cup to build a foothold in the fierce relegation battle in the Premier League.
Human resources situation
Everton continue to face squad problems with Dwight McNeil likely to miss out. Seamus Coleman, James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam are also out, while Armando Broja could join the injured group.
On the other side of the front line, Peterborough could be without their number one goalkeeper Jed Steer. In addition, Kwame Poku - a player who has scored 15 goals in 17 games this season - is also unable to play. The same is the case with Rio Adebisi and Mahamadou Susoho.
Expected lineup:
Everton: Joao Virginia, Patterson, Keane, O'Brien, Mykolenko, Doucoure, Mangala, Armstrong, Harrison, Calvert-Lewin, Ndiaye.
Peterborough: Bilokapic, Johnston, Wallin, Fernandez, Katongo, Hayes, De Havilland, Kyprianou, Collins, Mothersille, Jones.
The match between Everton and Peterborough takes place at 2:45 am on January 10 (Vietnam time).
