By Will Butcher

Paul Merson has picked Everton as his choice to win the FA Cup as they look to secure a safe passage into the fourth round with a win against Leicester.

The two sides go head-to-head at Goodison Park on Saturday as Premier League and Championship sides enter the competition at the third-round stage.

Speaking to Sky Sports News on Friday, Merson predicted Everton to win 2-1 against the Premier League champions and believes the Toffees are in a strong position to go all the way.

“Everton are my team to win the FA Cup,” Merson said.” They wont get relegated and they wont get into the top four. They can play their strongest side in this competition.

“Everton for me have got a strong opportunity this season, I always back them for the FA Cup but this season they’re in with a shout.”

Everton will be in confident fashion after beating Claudio Ranieri’s side 2-0 on Boxing Day at the King Power Stadium thanks to goals from Kevin Mirallas and Romelu Lukaku.

Ronald Koeman’s side have lost just one of their last seven home games and will be looking to produce a longer cup run after a disappointing campaign in the EFL Cup, after they lost to Norwich in the third round.

However, former Southampton boss Koeman could look to rest a number of his stars against Leicester with a difficult domestic encounter against Man City coming after the Foxes on January 15.

The Merseyside outfit will need the likes of star players Romelu Lukaku, Ross Barkley and Seamus Coleman to produce if they are to lift the FA Cup come May.

In other Everton news, fans have reacted on Twitter after the Blues confirmed the signing of Ademola Lookman.