Can Everton win the FA Cup?

You are probably aware of all the problems the Toffees have had with injured players this season but I am sure that not even the most optimistic fans expected such great performances from injury-depleted squad. Everton are now just two steps away from winning the FA Cup, while they have already ensured another European campaign, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them go all the way and win the coveted trophy.

David Moyes didn’t have such a big squad to begin with and the injuries started mounting from the very start. His team did have some problems in the opening rounds of the Premiership and they were eliminated from Europe early on but they are on the way to make this season a big success. The Scottish manager was forced to include youngsters Gosling, Rodwell, Jutkiewicz and Baxter in the first team set up and they did very well in the opening rounds. Gosling and Rodwell have shown plenty of potential and they proved that the club don’t have to worry for the future. Almost all the players in the squad missed at least a couple of games through injuries and Moyes didn’t have the luxury to choose from a full squad in any of the games this season. However, the boss found the way to cover for the absentees by playing some of the first team regulars out of position. Mikel Arteta was forced to play a holding midfielder in some of the games, while Cahill and Fellaini impressed as makeshift forwards when the team stayed without any fit forwards at one stage to the season.

Despite all the problems, the results started improving and the Toffees continued to climb the Premiership ladder. They simply had too much quality to stay in the bottom part of the table but Moyes’ shrewd moves helped the team a great deal. Everton’s biggest quality this season is rock-solid defence, where Joleon Lescott and Phil Jagielka have to take most of the credit for great defensive record. The two centre-backs have been outstanding in almost every single game and they helped the team achieve great results as often was enough for Everton to score just one goal to get all three points. The great run of results saw them cement the sixth place in the Premiership and thus ensure another European campaign.

The team were also very impressive in the FA Cup, eliminating Liverpool, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough among others on their way to the semi-finals. The Toffees played really well against the top English teams this season and they definitely have enough quality to win the FA Cup this season. Now that Louis Saha is back things are looking even better and if Moyes can keep him fit until the clash with Manchester United, then everything is possible. The biggest problem at the moment is that Mikel Arteta has been ruled out for the season with injury, but knowing David Moyes, I am sure he will find a way to compensate. Everton’s big chance is United’s busy schedule as Sir Alex Ferguson’s team face a lot of difficult games in a short period of time, while the Toffees will be able to fully focus on the FA Cup. The players are very motivated not to let the chance goes by and they will give their best and try to eliminate Manchester United. If that happens, I am positive that they would emerge triumphant from the final game at Wembley, regardless of the opponent.

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