Magic Memories

Last updated : 13 February 2009 By Tom Vickers
Goodison Park is certainly a ground which holds fond memories for followers of Aston Villa.

The latest and possibly greatest visit in modern times came just two months ago as the Claret and Blue enjoyed a fantastic 3-2 win on Merseyside.

On that occasion, Everton's Joleon Lescott levelled the scores two minutes into injury time, only to see wing wizard Ashley Young race up the other end and seal a vital three points for Villa.

The away fans were sent into raptures and since then Martin O'Neill's men haven't looked back, winning their next five away games.

The last time Villa met Everton in the F.A. Cup at Goodison, they walked away with a 2-1 win and a place in the semi-finals.

That was in 2000 when Villa went on to defeat Bolton on penalties at Wembley to reach the final, only to see all their hard work undone by a heartbreaking Roberto Di Matteo winner for Chelsea in the showpiece.

During that cup campaign Villa had an immense spirit, an amazing determination not to be beaten.

Familiar

John Gregory's side had a solid defence allied with a potent attacking force. Sound familiar? Well, that is exactly what O'Neill's side currently possess.

The current Villa side have been simply sensational on the road this season and it is almost as if F.A. Cup fate has drawn them away in each round.

After defeating Gillingham and Doncaster, they won't want to throw away their best chance of winning the trophy since that last ever cup final at the old Wembley.

Everton are undoubtedly a strong side and they are one of the most in-form sides in England right now.

But, on Sunday, they will be missing monstrous midfielder Marouane Fellaini, new loan signing Jo, creative influence Steven Pienaar and tempestuous frontman Yakubu.

That surely gives Villa every chance of walking away with victory. Admittedly, the visitors will be without box to box midfielder Gareth Barry, who is suspended, but they still have a great chance of progression.

The injury picked up by Fellaini maybe the biggest boost for Villa as the Belgian proved to be a powerful influence during the league game in December.

Screech

Even the towering Martin Laursen struggled to cope with the giant affectionately known as Screech Powers.

David Moyes may have limited options but he is a manager who makes the best of what he has and it is likely that Tim Cahill will start up front for the Toffees.

Villa are set to replace Barry with Sidwell and that may result in Curtis Davies taking the captain's armband.

John Carew could start up front as O'Neill looks to rest Emile Heskey after his trip to Seville in midweek.

Whatever the Villa line-up, the travelling 5,900 travelling fans will be confident of a positive outcome.

The most uncomfortable away end in the Premier League has become the one which holds some of the best memories for Villa fans in recent times.

They can only hope that continues as their side look to progress to the quarter-finals of the world's greatest cup competition.