Source: Liverpool_Echo
Everton FC’s Leighton Baines wants to capitalise on Aston Villa’s FA Cup woe
Leighton Baines scores his penalty against Chelsea[LNB]THIS time last year Leighton Baines and his Everton team-mates were on the crest of a Wembley wave.[LNB]Victory over Manchester United in a tense FA Cup semi-final courtesy of a penalty shoot-out had everyone with a Royal Blue hue buzzing.[LNB]The Wembley Factor sparked the Everton players onto a strong league finish which saw them peg-back Aston Villa in the race for fifth place in the Premier League, and guaranteed Europa League football.[LNB]None of the Blues stars allowed their effort levels to falter - aware that if they did it could cost them a starting place in the showcase final in May.[LNB]Now, as Everton bid to overhaul Villa again, this time in far more testing circumstances, Baines is hoping the Wembley factor can help them in a different way.[LNB]This time, the left-back wants the Blues to take advantage of Aston Villa's own Wembley factor - namely the morale-sapping misery of being knocked out at the semi-final phase by Chelsea on Sunday.[LNB]Baines, one of the penalty takers who helped topple Manchester United on that sunny day, said: 'Villa are a good side. Hopefully the FA Cup semi final will have had a big impact on them.[LNB]'But we've got to think a little bit more about ourselves and what we've got to do.[LNB]'Villa is a tough place to go and win, but we've done it in the past and we can do it again.'[LNB]The Toffees are currently outsiders for a European place next season but a win on Wednesday would be significant in applying pressure upon their rivals.[LNB]Villa have a game in hand on David Moyes' men and a four point gap currently separates the two sides.
