After the joys of Wednesday's Capital One Cup semi-final first-leg win over Manchester City, Everton turn their attentions to the FA Cup and Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday.

There are 79 places separating the two teams in the football pyramid, with the Daggers struggling in League Two, but the Toffees will need to be wary of the 'magic of the cup'.

An opportunity to rotate but Everton have to be wary of the 'magic of the cup'

With a busy schedule over the next few weeks, injuries and the draw being relatively kind to Everton, Roberto Martinez is likely to use the game against Dagenham as a chance to use the strength and depth of his squad.

Captain Phil Jagielka is expected to make his long-awaited return from injury after more than two months out, while midfielder Steven Pienaar could also feature for the first time since April.

However, Seamus Coleman is sidelined for a month after injuring his calf against Manchester City on Wednesday, while in-form striker Romelu Lukaku and midfielder Tom Cleverley are also doubts after picking up injuries in midweek.

This could see midfielders Darron Gibson and Aiden McGeady get some rare gametime, while striker Leandro Rodriguez could also feature for the first time since joining Everton from River Plate Montevideo in the summer.

There may be 79 places separating the two teams, but Everton supporters will not need reminding that Shrewsbury Town were bottom of the entire Football League when they beat the Toffees in 2003, a telling reminder as to the 'magic of the cup'.

Everton looking to pick-up where they left off

Romelu Lukaku struck the winning goal as Everton beat Manchester City 2-1 on Wednesday night to take a slender advantage in the Capital One Cup semi-final after the first-leg. The Belgian's winner came moments after City substitute Jesus Navas equalised after Ramiro Funes Mori had given Everton the lead in first-half stoppage time.

It was an excellent team performance from the Toffees and gave the club a huge lift after a frustrating period. Wednesday's win was their first home win since mid-November and only their second win in seven games in all competitions.

Funes Mori celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Manchester City. (Image: Sky Sports)
Funes Mori celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Manchester City. (Image: Sky Sports)

The feeling of underachievement has been reflected in the mood of impatience and frustration around Goodison Park in recent weeks. However, it was back to its best on Wednesday evening, with Roberto Martinez praising the "incredible" support his players received.

Everton supporters will be expecting their side to produce a performance that is expected of them and to pick-up where they left off on Wednesday night. One thing you can expect is goals, with Everton's 20 league matches this season providing 65 goals, with 43 of those coming at Goodison Park.

Roberto Martinez's side have produced some superb attacking play, with only Leicester City and Manchester City scoring more goals than Everton this season, and they have also tightened up their defence over recent games.

The opposition

It took them 210 minutes but Dagenham booked their place in the third round for the first time since 2012 after beating Conference South side, Whitehawk 3-2 in a hard-fought replay in extra-time.

However, it has been all change since the Daggers confirmed their place in the FA Cup third round. One win in 16 games saw Wayne Burnett lose his job before Christmas, and John Still returned to the club as manager for the third time in his career. 

Still's main mission this season will be to preserve Dagenham's football league status, with the Daggers one place and two points above the relegation zone in 22nd place in League Two. However, the FA Cup will be a welcome distraction

They have won just four games all season - only Yeovil Town and York City, who occupy the two places directly below them, have won fewer. York (47) are the only side to have conceded more goals than the Daggers (45) in League Two this season, while only Hartlepool United (20) and Yeovil (23) have scored fewer goals than their tally of 26 goals.

Dagenham's tough task will not be made any easier on Saturday by the fact that John Still has a depleted squad to choose from. Ayo Obileye, Kyle VassellJosh Pask and James Dunne have all returned to their parent clubs after their loan spells ended.

Matt Richards and Zavon Hines are also out, however midfielder Oliver Muldoon, who signed on loan from Charlton Athletic this week, and defender Joe Worrall, who has also joined the Daggers on loan from Nottingham Forest this week, could feature.

40-year-old striker Jamie Cureton made his professional debut for Norwich City against Everton in 1993. (Image: Getty Images)
40-year-old striker Jamie Cureton made his professional debut for Norwich City against Everton in 1993. (Image: Getty Images)
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About the author
Adam Bailey
Everton editor, who also covers cycling and athletics.