After a wobble at the back end of what was a hectic December schedule, Everton look to be finding their groove again after making an unbeaten start to 2024 (W1, D2). Two of those results came in the FA Cup, drawing 0-0 at Crystal Palace before defeating them 1-0 in the third round replay at Goodison Park. A goalless Premier League draw against high-flying Aston Villa was sandwiched in between, meaning the Toffees now have a chance to piece together four successive clean sheets for a second time in the space of two months.
The hosts will be feeling confident coming into the tie, not just due to their solid recent form, but also because of their record at the fourth round stage of this competition. Everton have won seven of their last eight FA Cup fourth round ties, although it is worth noting that they’ve not progressed from successive ties against fellow Premier League opponents since 2015/16.
Visitors Luton should travel north with plenty of confidence too as they share an identical recent three-game record as Everton (W1, D2). They’ve also already got the better of the Merseyside club on their own patch this season, beating them 2-1 back in Premier League action back in October. Another win here would make Everton the first top-flight side Luton have beaten twice on the road in one campaign since Stoke in 1984/85.
The away side needed a replay to overcome League One side Bolton in the last round, and history isn’t on their side when it comes to facing fellow top-tier opposition here, as the Hatters have only progressed from one of their last ten FA Cup ties against Premier League opposition – that came back in 2012/13 when they themselves were a fifth-tier side.
Key battle: Everton’s backup goalkeeper João Virgínia has started both of their FA Cup games so far this season. He’s kept three clean sheets from his five first-team appearances at the club and was awarded Player of the Match in the last round. Trying to get the better of him will be former Toffee Ross Barkley (G2, A1), who’s attempted more shots than any other Luton player this season (39 in all competitions).
Hot stat: Everton have been drawn against Luton three times in the FA Cup (1933, 1985, 1986) and on each occasion, they went on to reach the final.
