After Capital One Cup and Premier League disappointments this season, Everton will be looking to avoid FA Cup humiliation against League Two side Carlisle United on Sunday.

Given the difficulties that the Cumbrians have faced in recent months, a home win would represent a remarkable story, but Everton are unlikely to find room for such sentiment.

Everton eye cup success as pressure mounts on Martinez

Everton's season has hit a new low this week after a disappointing home defeat against Swansea City last weekend, before their uplifting run in the Capital One Cup came to an end on Wednesday night against Manchester City.

Since knocking Dagenham and Redbridge out of the competition at the start of the month, the Toffees took a spirited point at Manchester City in the league. They have since endured a string of disappointing results culminating in the League Cup semi-final exit at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, despite leading 3-1 on aggregate at one stage in the second-leg.

And with pressure mounting on Roberto Martinez, with some supporters saying that the Everton boss' time at Goodison Park is up, the FA Cup has never looked so important.

Toffees captain Phil Jagielka said that Everton need to give the supporters something to cheer about after their latest setback.

"I wouldn't say the FA Cup can save the season but it can make the season."- Phil Jagielka

Although the Toffees are struggling to find their best form at present, having won just two of their last eight matches in all competitions, they may take solace from their away record this term. Their defeat at the Eithad Stadium in midweek was only their second away loss that Everton have suffered.

Everton have also progressed in each of their last eight FA Cup ties against lower league opposition, scoring 26 goals in the process and conceding just five. 

Everton's Capital One Cup defeat at Manchester City is the latest disappointment of Everton's season. | Photo: Liverpool Echo 

The opposition

Carlisle United, who sit 11th in League Two, have had a traumatic time recently with Brunton Park devastated by Storm Desmond before Christmas leaving the team to play fixtures elsewhere.

Keith Curle's side enter Sunday's match on the back of a 1-1 draw with York City last weekend, which was their first match back at their home ground since the devastation caused by the flooding.

The Cumbrians have had to overcome Plymouth Argyle, Welling United and Yeovil Town to reach the FA Cup fourth round. Their tie against Yeovil was taken to a replay after the first meeting finished 1-1. The replay ended with the same scoreline, before Carlisle came out on top in a penalty shootout.

Carlisle manager Keith Curle is optimistic his League Two side's "journey" can continue into the fifth round, however an upset is unlikely as Carlisle last defeated a top-flight side in the cup way back in 1986.

The flooding damage at Brunton Park caused by Storm Desmond. | Photo: Getty Images
The flood damage at Brunton Park caused by Storm Desmond. | Photo: Getty Images

Team news

Everton will give a late fitness test to Kevin Mirallas after the winger was forced off in the league defeat to Swansea last weekend and missed the League Cup semi-final against Manchester City.

Joel Robles is set to retain his place in goal as he has done throughout the cup competitions this season, while Roberto Martinez could use this as an opportunity to rotate his team in order to keep his squad fresh.

Carlisle defender and captain Danny Grainger is likely to miss out with an ankle problem, which could see on-loan Newcastle United youngster Macauley Gillespie deputise again.

Everton academy graduate Hallam Hope, who has been on loan at Brunton Park from Bury since October, is likely to feature, but midfielder Gary Dicker is not expected to play after being granted permission to talk to Kilmarnock over a switch to the SPL side.

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About the author
Adam Bailey
Everton editor, who also covers cycling and athletics.