Everton v Sunderland Tip

This FA Cup quarter final is a huge game for both teams as recent form suggests that either could have a serious tilt at the silverware. Both sides have enjoyed excellent starts to 2012 and sit neck-and-neck in the league table with 37 points apiece. Another thing you would say about both is that they are particularly formidable opponents on their own grounds; on Saturday that advantage falls to Everton.

The Toffees suffered a setback in midweek when losing 3-0 to rivals Liverpool. In truth, the match was pretty evenly contested with just one man - Steven Gerrard - really making all the difference. That ended Everton’s run of nine games undefeated in all competitions, but they still haven’t lost at Goodison Park since 4 January.

The recent results of Moyes’ boys on their own patch have been outstanding. Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City were the last three league visitors to the blue half of Merseyside, and all left with nothing.

Everton are a best price of 20/21 (Boylesports) to settle this tie in their favour at the first time of asking. But I think we have to look for better value by following the pattern of how they win their games. The Toffees have won their last four encounters at Goodison, all either 1-0 or 2-0. Success is built on clean sheets. We can take Everton to be the only team to score at the much healthier, and best odds of 15/8 with WilliamHill.