Sidwell Expecting A Battle

Steve Sidwell has said he is expecting a tough match against Everton tomorrow in the FA Cup.

Our last encounter was certainly an eventful match and Everton will no doubt be out for a little revenge, let alone the fact they probably see the FA Cup this year as their chance for success after dumping Liverpool out in the last round.

Speaking to Sky Sports Sidwell said:

'We knew it was going to be a tough game in the last round against Doncaster, who took us to a replay, and now we've got a tough game to come at Everton.

'It is going to be tough especially when you get down to the last part of the FA Cup because it is such a special competition.

'It doesn't matter who you play. It could be lower league side or a top Premier League side but you know you are going to get a difficult game whoever it is.

'We are in amongst it in three competitions and the question is 'can we last the pace?'

'That is what it boils down to. We have got a squad now that we think are capable of doing it.

'It is down to us. We are a victim of our own success at the minute with the amount of games we've got to play, FA Cup, UEFA Cup and now being at the top part of the Premier League.

'But those are the demands you expect for being up there - and we want to strive to achieve something special for this football club this season.'

Can we last the pace? Again for the most part we have been lucky with injuries, suspensions but at points we are starting to see the effects of tiredness and it's only our determination that has been seeing us through. Which to be fair, is no bad thing.

We certainly deserve to be where we are and deserve to be fighting on so many fronts and if we are going to last the pace, then it will be that determination that we have to thank.

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