FA Cup 5th round: Boreham Wood aiming to make history at Everton

A welcome distraction?

Amidst the battle for Premier League survival, Everton find themselves 90 minutes from reaching an FA Cup quarter-final.

While manager Frank Lampard has much bigger concerns with his side’s top flight status in peril, the Toffees’ boss will hope a convincing win over National League side Boreham Wood on Thursday will give his team a much-needed confidence boost.

Honeymoon period over for Lampard

Brought in after a torrid run of form under his predecessor Rafael Benitez, Lampard’s honeymoon period at Goodison Park has already been brought to an abrupt end.

The former Derby and Chelsea manager’s tenure got off to a flying start with a 4-1 win over Brentford in the fourth round of the FA Cup. 

However, three defeats in their following four Premier League games has seen Everton’s lead above the relegation zone narrowed to just one point ahead of their trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night.

With one eye on that trip to north London, Lampard might well be tempted to make changes for the arrival of Boreham Wood to Merseyside.

Lampard fielded a strong side for his first game in charge against the Bees but perhaps fringe players will be given an opportunity to impress on Thursday night.

Even with potential changes on the horizon, Everton are firm favourites at 86% to win in the 90 minutes, with Boreham Wood at 3% in the same market to pull off one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history.

Defence key for underdogs

It has already been a remarkable journey for Boreham Wood in the FA Cup so far, with The Wood winning five games to reach this stage of the competition.

Wins over Barnet, Eastleigh, St Albans City, AFC Wimbledon and Bournemouth have seen Luke Garrard’s side reach the fifth round. Even more remarkable is the fact Boreham Wood have not conceded a single goal in the competition this season, while scoring 10 at the other end.

That defence will be vital for the underdogs at Goodison Park and perhaps this encounter won’t be as one-sided as many would expect. Under 3.5 goals is available at 1.75 and considering Boreham Wood's defensive resilience, that could be the way to go.

Everton manager Frank Lampard has seen his side lose three out of four Premier League games since beating Brentford in the last round of the cup

Everton to have too much

It’s hard to see Boreham Wood having enough of the ball to secure a famous victory and book their place in the quarter-finals.

However, that’s not to say that they won’t give Lampard’s men a fright along the way and the visitors might well be able to get on the scoresheet at Goodison Park.

Scott Boden and Tyrone Marsh have been the two main attacking threats for Boreham Wood this season and they will need to make the most of the potentially few opportunities that come their way.

Everton’s strength in depth should make the difference and a home win in the 90 minutes, with both teams getting on scoresheet, is currently at 3.35.

Recommended bets

Under 3.5 goals @ 1.75

Everton to win both teams to score @ 3.35