Prediction: Millwall vs Everton

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Bet365

An FA Cup that has already seen a number of Premier League teams crash out, Millwall be looking to add Everton to that list when they welcome the Blues to The Den on Saturday afternoon.

Millwall

Starting with the hosts, while Millwall might have endured a difficult start to their Championship campaign, Neil Harris’ side have shown plenty of improvements entering the New Year. Picking up an impressive point against playoff contenders Middlesbrough last weekend, the Lions have lost just one of their last six matches across all competitions. Knocking out high flyers Hull City in the third round, the mood in Harris’ camp should be on a high considering their recent success at The Den. Aside from a 2-0 loss to Blackburn a fortnight ago, Millwall have lost just one of their last five matches in South London, a run that stems back to the end of November. Hoping to extend their advantage over the relegation zone and also enjoy a solid Cup run, Harris will be looking for former Newcastle midfielder Shane Ferguson to carry on his impressive start to 2019. The Northern Ireland international has now bagged three goals in his last four appearances.

Team News

Millwall midfielder Shane Ferguson is in contention to start, having scored twice as a substitute to secure victory over Hull City in the third round.

Tom Bradshaw, Tom Elliott, Ben Amos and Conor McLaughlin are all injured, while midfielders Ben Marshall and Ben Thompson are both cup-tied.

Everton

As for the visitors, coming off the back of a 2-1 loss away at Southampton last weekend, Marco Silva will know he is under real pressure at Goodison Park. Coming through a tough test against League Two Lincoln City in the third round, the Toffees find themselves outside of the top half of the Premier League table and their recent performances away from Merseyside will be a huge concern for Silva. Putting in another lackluster showing in their defeat at St. Mary’s last Saturday, the Blues have now lost four of their last five matches away from Goodison and have recorded just one away win since the 6th of October. With the former Watford boss being heavily criticised for Everton’s lack of creativity in the final third, Silva will know that he must hope that Brazilian international Richarlison can refind his early-season form. The 21-year-old forward has now found the net just once in his last eight appearances.

Team News

Phil Jagielka, who has made just one Premier League start this season, is Everton’s only absentee due to injury.

Fellow defender Leighton Baines could make a 40th career FA Cup appearance.

Key Factors to Consider

• Everton needed a replay to beat Millwall in the third round in 2006. Tim Cahill scored a 76th-minute winner against his former club.
• Millwall won 2-0 away in the fourth round in 1973, and 1-0 at home in the 1903 quarter-final.
• The Toffees have not lost at Millwall in three visits since a 2-1 top-flight defeat in 1988.
• The Blues have won just three times in 11 games in all competitions (D2, L6).
• The Lions are unbeaten in their last eight FA Cup home matches (W7, D1), scoring 19 goals.

Conclusion

On paper, Saturday’s hosts should see this as a golden opportunity to collect a Premier League scalp. While we do believe that the top-flight side will breach Millwall’s defence at some point, we are backing the Lions to also add more pressure on to Marco Silva. With Everton recording just one clean sheet in their last 11 matches, we’re backing both teams to score at The Den.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Bet365