Everton and Birmingham’s double fixture in gameweek 29 is under threat if Championship Reading force a replay at Goodison in their fifth round tie with the Toffees.
Everton have confirmed today that if next Tuesday’s tie ends in a draw, the replay would take place at the Madejski Stadium on March 8. That would mean that the Premier League clash with Birmingham at Goodison, currently scheduled for March 9, would be shifted to an as yet unknown date.
Everton currently have that Birmingham fixture and a visit to Newcastle in gameweek 29, promoting their players in our thinking. Tim Cahill has become a key target, although this news, coupled with the recent doubt surrounding his chances of making the weekend encounter with Sunderland, certainly casts doubt over investment before Tuesday’s Cup tie.
Birmingham themselves would of course lose their second fixture, leaving them with a home clash with West Brom in gameweek 29 to follow this week’s blank.
