Everton - Luton Town predictions and free betting tips [27/01/2024]

On Saturday, 27th of January, as part of the FA Cup's last 16, Everton will host Luton Town. There's just one point and one ranking position separating the two teams in the Premier League table, and both teams will endeavour to avoid back-to-back replay rounds.

Predicted Lineups

Everton: Virginia; Patterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Onana, Garner, McNeil; Dobbin; Calvert-Lewin.
Luton Town: Krul; Mengi, Osho, Bell; Ogbene, Sambi Lokonga, Ruddock, Doughty; Barkley, Chong; Adebayo.

Stadium

The match will take place in Liverpool at Goodison Park.

Everton

Everton had a tough time making it to the last 16 of the FA Cup, narrowly defeating Crystal Palace thanks to a home victory in the previous round's replay (1:0) - all decided by a stunning free kick from Andre Gomes in the first half. In the Premier League, the Liverpool-side remains under the threat of relegation due to a 10-point penalty imposed by league authorities for breaching financial fair play rules. Currently, the Toffees sit in 17th place in the Premier League table and, with one game in hand, have just a one-point cushion above the relegation zone.

Following a series of successful results, Sean Dyche's charges have struggled in the last 4 rounds (1 draw and 3 losses): lost to Tottenham (2:1), Manchester City (1:3), and Wolverhampton (3:0), and then at home played out a goalless draw with Aston Villa (0:0). The Toffees had 10 days of rest and preparation for the encounter with Luton, and the hosts have also won seven out of the last eight fourth-round FA Cup matches, as well as 11 out of the last 14 home games in this tournament. 

Luton Town

With some difficulties, Luton Town came out on top in the previous round replay against Bolton (1:2). Conceding already in the 11th minute, Rob Edwards' team restored parity on the scoreboard just four minutes later thanks to Tahith Chong, and Chiedozie Ogbene scored the winning goal. Promoted to the top division last summer, the Hatters are understandably striving not to be relegated: the team currently sits in 18th place in the Premier League table, with one game in hand and just one point behind their upcoming opponent.

However, the blue-and-whites have displayed an impressive form this winter, having consecutively defeated Newcastle and Sheffield United. In January, Luton lost to Chelsea (2:3), and then drew with relegation-threatened Burnley (1:1). In the last five years, the club has alternately been knocked out of the FA Cup in the last 16 - for instance, last season at this stage, they lost to League 2 representative Grimsby Town. 

Head-to-Head

Everton has emerged victorious in each of the last three FA Cup confrontations against Luton, the most recent of which ended with a 1:0 score in 1986. However, in the current PL campaign, the Hatters managed to defeat the Merseysiders away (1:2).

Match Prediction for Everton vs Luton Town

In the previous round, both Everton and Luton were forced into replays, so both teams are hoping for an instant success at Goodison Park. The visitors surprisingly came out on top against the Toffees in the PL this campaign, however, a similar scenario seems improbable now: Everton has virtually no injuries and will be spurred on by the home crowd. My prediction is a win for the home team.

Total Score Prediction

In four out of the previous six head-to-head matches, at least one team didn't score a goal. Considering the knockout nature of the match, it's unlikely to see an open play this time - my bet is on a total under (TU) 3 goals.

Corner Kick Prediction

Everton, backed by their home crowd, won't be confined into defence and should take the initiative throughout the match - I'm betting on the home side winning the corner count with a -1.5 handicap.

Yellow Card Prediction

In the league, both teams collectively earned just one yellow card – we shouldn't expect a surplus of bookings this time around. My bet is on a total under (TU) of 4.5 yellow cards.

Final Score Prediction

I'm placing a bet on the exact score being 1:0 in favour of Everton.