Martinez’s Everton to lead a ruthless Premier League charge in FA Cup

Aston Villa, Everton, Newcastle and Southampton all face teams outside of the Premier League in the FA Cup this weekend and all four can win.

The enhanced 5/1 price about all four progressing to Round Four is worth backing.

Aston Villa are at home to Sheffield United, who may have improved under new boss Nigel Clough but still don’t score enough goals.

Only once in their last five games have they score more than one goal and they have been comfortably beaten on their last three visits to Villa Park.

Those three games were when the side were in the Premier League and, after a rapid fall of grace, there is no real reason to expect an upset today for the League One side.

Villa have been struggling in the league but this match will present a welcome relief from the relegation battle and the home side should have more confidence after a crucial 1-0 win at Sunderland.

Despite Paul Lambert’s comments about the competition, their fans expect a win.

Aston Villa last won the FA Cup in 1957

Everton suffered a surprise defeat to Gus Poyet’s side recently, but Championship side QPR are up against it as they try to emulate that result this afternoon.

Harry Redknapp’s team are third in the league due to a fantastic home record (9-2-1) but their form on their travels has been mediocre; they have taken just 17 from 36 points available.

They have only won one of their last five games north of Watford and have been struggling for goals, scoring just 26 in 24 matches.

Compare that to Everton’s miserly home record – they have only conceded 9 goals in 10 games – and the hosts are worth backing.

They have a seven day gap before their next Premier League match so a strong team is expected, with Tim Howard set to return from his suspension.

The Toffees boss Roberto Martinez won the FA Cup with Wigan last year and he is refusing to prioritise the league over the cup.