Former Blues skipper previews Sunday’s tie against Swansea.
Related Links
Kevin Ratcliffe reckons the postponement of Wednesday’s game against Crystal Palace could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Everton ahead of their FA Cup clash with Swansea.
The former Blues skipper was at Goodison Park in midweek, preparing himself for media duties in the press lounge, only to hear that the game had fallen victim to the adverse conditions on Merseyside.
While the weather ensured Everton’s players had the night off, Swansea’s had to battle Stoke City – and more galeforce winds – at the Britannia Stadium.
Ratcliffe, an FA Cup winner with the Blues in 1984, believes this extra rest could prove an advantage when the teams lock horns on Sunday afternoon.
Blues manager Roberto Martinez echoed this point at his Friday press conference by referring to Ross Barkley, who he felt showed signs of fatigue against Aston Villa but is now refreshed and ready to play a crucial role in the remainder of the season.
Ratcliffe told evertonfc.com: “The good thing for us is that with missing the game in the middle of the week it will allow us time to get some of the players who are carrying a bit of an injury healed.
“Maybe players who weren’t going to be playing or weren’t fully fit on Wednesday will be on Sunday.
“Kevin Mirallas is an example – he wasn’t playing on Wednesday but he has got an opportunity now for Sunday.”
Ratcliffe holds aloft the FA Cup in 1984 following Everton’s 2-0 win over Watford at Wembley.
Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are already out of this season’s FA Cup and at least four more Premier League clubs will be eliminated at this stage of the competition.
Two of the four sides currently occupying the Champions League qualification berths will be knocked out, with Arsenal hosting Liverpool and Manchester City facing Chelsea.
Ratcliffe, who also reached two further FA Cup finals during his time at Goodison, considers this as a real opportunity on which Everton can capitalise.
He continued: “There are going to be four or five Premier League teams going out in this round so there is a great opportunity to get to Wembley, to a semi-final and then even a final.
“It’s all about the draw. I watched Cardiff a few years ago have a really good draw in every round when they got to the final. I think the hardest tie they got was Middlesbrough away home and they beat them comfortably.
“If you get draws like that then you have an opportunity.”
Before the Blues can start thinking about any potential trip to Wembley, Swansea City need to be overcome.
Former Wales international Ratcliffe watched Garry Monk’s first game in charge, the 3-0 derby win over Cardiff last weekend, and offered an insight into last year’s Capital One Cup winners under their new boss.
“I wouldn’t think they’ll change too much of the style they play – I know that because I was at the game against Cardiff,” Ratcliffe added.
“It isn’t hard to get fired up for a derby game but what was noticeable was the team that Garry Monk picked. Only two of Michael Laudrup’s signings played. But the big thing was the response of the players because it was spot-on.
“The biggest problem Garry will have is with the players that he has played with on the pitch, and that’s most of them. He’s gone from being their teammate to now having to maybe leave them out [of the team]. Results are the things that get you the job and if he gets results then he will get the job [permanently].”
Tickets for Sunday’s game are still available. To buy, click here or call 0871 663 1878. Alternatively, visit the Park End Box Office at Goodison Park, Everton Two in Liverpool One or TicketQuarter in Queen Square.
Leave a comment on this football article and you could win Everton branded football boots.