Everton host Newcastle United in the fourth round of the EFL Cup on Thursday night, the first of consecutive clashes between the sides.
The Toffees’ impressive start to the season has been halted following successive defeats against London sides. A 2-0 loss to Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium was followed by a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal, results that mean the Blues now sit 11th.
It’s just two wins in 15 league games for Everton, and it still seems the alarm bells are not ringing loud enough for David Moyes. Perhaps the Glaswegian needs to break out of this stubborn bubble, and focus on the squad’s strengths instead.
Maybe the EFL Cup is where the Toffees can compete this season. It is safe to say both sides have had straightforward draws so far. The Blues opened the competition with a 4-0 battering away at Preston, with a hat-trick from Thierno Barry, followed by a slender victory over Wolves.
For the Geordies, a late winner away at Millwall in the third round followed a five-goal thriller against West Brown.
Thursday is a real chance for Everton to push forward in a competition where silverware may be available.
EVERTON TEAM NEWS
Jarrad Branthwaite again looks set to miss out due to concussion protocols, while Jack Grealish also missed that clash through illness.
Everton’s stretched squad means wholesale changes are unlikely, though Ainsley Maitland-Niles could return. Christian Norgaard is an option in midfield as the Dane looks to get up to speed, while Carlos Alcaraz, Hayden Hackney, and Tyler Dibling will be hoping for minutes. Dibling was named man of the match in the third-round win over Wolves.
EVERTON PREDICTED LINEUP (4-3-2-1)
Pickford; Maitland-Niles, O’Brien, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Hackney, Armstrong, Dewsbury-Hall; Dibling, Barry, Grealish.
EVERTON VS NEWCASTLE MATCH DETAILS
Kick-off: 7:45pm BST, Thursday 29th October
Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool
HOW TO WATCH EVERTON VS NEWCASTLE
The EFL Cup clash will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+. For updates, please join the ToffeeWeb Live Forum.
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