Everton and Manchester United are now in a similar situation ahead of their FA Cup semi-final this weekend.
Roberto Martinez and Louis van Gaal are both under immense pressure, as nothing other than a trophy will be enough to salvage something from an otherwise faltering campaign.
The Toffees even haven’t been able to challenge for the European places – because of a lack of consistency – to make sure the supporters’ disgruntlement has grown during a season which has seen several unexpected teams compete at the top of the table.
Meanwhile, United’s race for a top-four finish is not yet over but the first trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement could be regarded as a sign of progress when questions will be definitely asked about Van Gaal’s reign at the end of this season.
You can easily put aside the form book at Wembley as both sides battle for a right to compete for the famous FA Cup trophy in May’s final.
The match is scheduled to kick-off at 17:15 BST on Saturday 23rd April.
Team News
Everton
Defender Ramiro Funes Mori will be absent due to suspension after being sent off in a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.
Phil Jagielka and Seamus Coleman are also in doubts with hamstring injuries.
Among the two, Jagielka is most likely to be included at Wembley starting eleven but Martinez could face a defensive crisis if both men fail to recover.
John Stones’ confidence is believed to be very low after a poor display at Anfield but he will retain his place.
Meanwhile, Aaron Lennon is pushing for another start while Romelu Lukaku will lead the Toffees’ front-line ahead of attacking midfielder Ross Barkley.
Everton possible XI: Robles; Oviedo, Jagielka, Stones, Baines; Barry, Besic, Deulofeu, Barkley, Lennon; Lukaku.
Manchester United
Captain Wayne Rooney is highly expected to start but some contrary reports suggest van Gaal does not seem to be convinced yet about the United skipper’s fitness.
Rooney’s return would likely force Jesse Lingard to drop to the bench, but the youngster’s speed could yet be preferred to Juan Mata’s pedestrian pace on the right flank.
Dutch teenager Timothy Fosu-Mensah will start at right-back with Matteo Darmian in an unfamiliar role on the left.
Bastian Schweinsteiger, Luke Shaw and Adnan Januzaj remain United’s only absentees.
Manchester United XI: De Gea; Fosu-Mensah, Smalling, Blind, Valencia; Fellaini, Schneiderlin; Mata, Rooney, Martial; Rashford.
Key Stats
Everton have progressed from six of their last seven FA Cup semi-finals, the exception being their last appearance at this stage in 2012 v Liverpool. They have needed extra-time or penalties to make the final in four of those six progressions.
Manchester United have lost their last two FA Cup semi-finals, to Everton on penalties in 2009 and to Manchester City in 2011. They had progressed in the previous 13 appearances at this stage between 1976 and 2007.
The Red Devils haven’t lost three successive FA Cup semi-final ties since 1970 (also lost in 1965 and 1966).
Romelu Lukaku has scored in each of his five FA Cup appearances for Everton (six goals).
Anthony Martial has more assists in the FA Cup than any other player still in the competition (3).
The Toffees are yet to concede a single goal in the FA Cup this season.
Manchester United have scored just once in their last four matches against Everton at Wembley, but that goal from Norman Whiteside was to win the FA Cup in 1985. They lost by the same scoreline to them in 1995, courtesy of a Paul Rideout goal.
Ross Barkley has been involved in more goals than any other Everton in their FA Cup campaign so far (four, two goals and two assists).
Van Gaal’s only previous game at Wembley as a manager came while at Barcelona, beating Arsenal 4-2 in the Champions League group stage there in October 1999.
Martinez has lost 10 of his 14 meetings with Manchester United as a manager (W4), but three of those four wins have come during his time as Everton boss (W3 L3).
Predictions
Three months ago, you could have backed Everton to win this fixture all day long, but not now. Manchester United are favourite to win at Wembley, Everton cannot stop them. Marcus Rashford is some player and his goal against Villa was as good as it gets – he’ll be a top-drawer player. Our predictions a 2-1 result for van Gaal’s boys.
Betting odds
Everton win – 7/2
Draw – 13/5
Manchester United – 10/11