Everton FC: 5 Things for the Toffees to Fear Against Oldham

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Everton travel to Oldham on Saturday in the fifth round of the FA Cup, hoping to earn a place in the final eight of this year's competition.

On paper, victory seems all but guaranteed for the Toffees. David Moyes's side currently sit sixth in the Premier League, while Oldham are embroiled in a League One relegation scrap, 59 places below.

However, judging by the Latics' shock defeat against Liverpool in the previous round, they are not a club to be underestimated.

Here's a look at some situations that may trouble the Toffees in Saturday's clash.

Matt Smith's Physicality

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It must be noted Oldham's Matt Smith is an injury doubt for Saturday's tie. However, if he plays, Everton must prepare for an especially physical presence up front (via the Oldham Chronicle).

Liverpool struggled with Smith's confrontational approach in the previous round, and his side's overall aggression must be carefully prepared for by the Toffees.

Physicality in strikers is not a trait Everton have fared well against this season, with Christian Benteke, Kenwyne Jones, Carlton Cole and Demba Ba among the opposing front men to prosper.

The Toffees will hope Smith fails to recover, but even if he does miss out, Oldham are likely to provide a combative test for Everton's defenders.

John Heitinga has struggled in particular against brutish attackers and, if selected, the Latics will fancy their chances of flustering the Dutchman.

Jose Baxter's Motivation

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One player who won't require an ounce of pre-match provocation this Saturday is Jose Baxter.

The 21-year-old attacker left Everton in the summer having been at the club since he was just six years old. This fixture provides him with a first opportunity to face his former teammates.

Baxter burst onto the scene in 2008, making his Premier League debut against Blackburn. In doing so, he also become Everton's youngest-ever senior player and was immediately hyped for stardom.

However, as of yet, his big break hasn't materialised. Having been frustrated with his dwindling opportunities at the Toffees, he turned down a new contract last summer and sought out first-team football at Oldham.

Considering David Moyes is the man that prevented him from playing more often at Everton, Baxter will be chomping at the bit to impress and will need to be closely monitored throughout the game.

New Manager Syndrome

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Despite Paul Dickov's previous round heroics—where he masterminded a famous victory over Liverpool—the club's faltering league form has seen the Oldham manager lose his job.

In his place steps Tony Philliskirk, in a caretaker capacity.

New managers can often generate a sudden change of fortune on the pitch, as was evident in Oldham's previous game at MK Dons, where the Latics surprised many to triumph 3-1.

This was their first league win in 10 games and already there must be a certain amount of relief around the club, which Oldham will look to bring into Saturday's game.

This cup run will also be seen as a release from a challenging league campaign and the players enter the game with nothing to lose.

Hostile Atmosphere

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As Liverpool experienced in the fourth round, Oldham will be buoyed on by a raucous home crowd, which will present an intimidating atmosphere for the Toffees to contend with.

A cauldron of noise will inspire Oldham attacks, chastise any refereeing calls against them and generally deride Everton players at every opportunity.

The Toffees have already succumbed to one cup upset this season at Leeds, where the Elland Road crowd were a huge factor in the outcome.

As experienced as Everton's squad is, this is again a situation Moyes will need to prepare his side well for.

Recent Memory

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Sometimes the only ingredient lacking for a smaller side seeking a cup upset is confidence and belief that they can finish the job.

However, that's not the case for Oldham.

The Latics only have to glance back at their convincing defeat of Liverpool in the previous round to find ample motivation they have what it takes.

If that recent memory's not good enough, the Latics can also look back to 2008 where they famously dumped Everton out of the FA Cup Third Round at Goodison Park.

That day, a Gary McDonald long-range effort was enough to send out a reasonably strong Everton side, and David Moyes should be quick to remind his side of that day's shortcomings.

 

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