Carabao Cup Preview
Arnaut Danjuma could return to the starting XI after coming off the bench against Brentford at the weekend
Everton are back at Villa Park, the scene of their worst result so far in 2023-24, on Wednesday evening for a third round Carabao Cup tie hoping to build on Saturday's win at Brentford.
The Blues picked up their first victory of the Premier League campaign with a handsome 3-1 win at the Gtech Community Stadium to ease the pressure on the shoulders of Sean Dyche and his players and they can travel down the M6 in greater heart than they otherwise would.
Indeed, Dyche will be impressing on his charges not only the need to atone for what was an atrocious performance against Aston Villa in August when they deservedly went down 4-0 but also that they are more than capable of getting the result that would book the Blues' passage to the fourth round for the first time since 2020 under Carlo Ancelotti.
With no new injury concerns and Jack Harrison nearing full fitness, Dyche will have the luxury of making changes to the side that started in London at the weekend if he is moved to do so, although too big a reshuffle would risk upsetting any momentum Everton might take out of the Brentford win.
Harrison has been out of action since injuring his hip in May but has been working his way back and played 45 minutes for the Under-21s against Norwich City last Friday. Whether that makes him sufficiently "Dyche fit" and therefore able to take a place in the starting XI remains to be seen but the expectation is that his name will be somewhere on the team sheet when it is revealed at 6:45pm.
Meanwhile, Dominic Calvert-Lewin came off the bench for a second successive game against the Bees and is in the frame for what would be his first start since suffering a fractured cheekbone at Villa Park five weeks ago. He will be vying with Beto for a starting role, with the Portuguese looking to add to the goal he scored on his debut in the previous round at Doncaster.
The tie may also provide an opportunity for the likes of Nathan Patterson, Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey, Lewis Dobbin and Youssef Chermiti to get some game time and for Arnaut Danjuma to return to the team. Patterson recently lost his place to Ashley Young when he switched flanks to accommodate the return of Vitalii Mykolenko to left back but will be hoping to be named in the line-up should the veteran be rested.
Both Godfrey and Keane played the full 90 minutes of the tie at Doncaster and while Dyche may not elect to partner the pair together again, he could give at least one of them a chance alongside either James Tarkowski or Jarrad Branthwaite.
In Unai Emery, Dyche will be going up a consummate "cup manager", with the Spaniard having won three successive Europa League titles with Sevilla between 2014 and 2016, managed Arsenal to the final in 2019 and won the tournament again with Villarreal in 2021.
The furthest he ever got in the League Cup with the Gunners was the Quarter-Finals in 2019, however, and with Villa involved in the Europa League this season and looking to challenge for a place in the Premier League's top four, Emery might feel as though he has bigger priorities, especially as his side host Brighton in the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday.
That could see him make a number of changes and, potentially, open the door to Everton to take advantage, provided of course that Dyche doesn't make too many of his own.
Villa will definitely be without Emiliano Buendia, Bertrand Traore and Tyrone Mings as well as Timothy Iroegbunam and Diego Carlos.
If Everton can spring a surprise and negotiate their way into the next round, they would be one of a maximum of 10 Premier League clubs left in the competition.
Kick-off: 7:45pm, Wednesday 27 September, 2023
Last Time: Aston Villa 1 - 0 Everton, League Cup SF (22 February, 1984)
Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Patterson, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko, Onana, Garner, Danjuma, Harrison, Doucouré, Beto
Reader Comments (42)
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2 Posted 27/09/2023 at 05:38:44
As Kieran says, Villa hopefully will be concentrating more on Europe and the Premiership and field a weakened side (we live in hope). Having watched all the games this far, we should have beaten Fulham and Wolves, and we have strengthened since then, so I feel we are in a false position in the table and the signs are there that we are getting better and better each game !
3 Posted 27/09/2023 at 06:03:34
That's why we should play our strongest side yes or yes. The most important thing, anyway, is we end the game without injuries. Would love a result, but more important is keeping moving our feet out of the mud.
4 Posted 27/09/2023 at 06:19:11
Personally I think we'd need to be absolutely horrendously bad to be relegated this season, and I don't see us being as bad as the three that got promoted, they are absolutely dog shit the three of them, I also think Wolves are sinking like a brick.
We should be going all out to try and get past Villa tonight and go into Saturday on a confident high.
Fans also need a break from league matches, the same humdrum of worrying every weekend, let's get a Quarter Final under the floodlights at Goodison and have a right good go at it.
5 Posted 27/09/2023 at 07:17:10
Although we know for us to get a result we need a full first team playing we also need to look at the next 2 league games in which we need 6 points
Realistically league survival, long term, is far more important than a shot at a cup
It pains me to say all this because I'm a great believer in always playing your strongest team, however, I don't think I could survive another end of season similar to the previous two
6 Posted 27/09/2023 at 08:00:29
Maybe bring in Dan for Gueye and Patterson at RB.
7 Posted 27/09/2023 at 08:08:22
But a few changes, bringing in players who have something to prove in a 'strong lineup'.
Patterson in for Young, maybe Godfrey for Tarkowski but there is a case to keep the burgeoning partnership of Branthwaite and Tarkowski. Garner in the middle for Gana or Onana. Danjuma on the right, or left with McNeil on the right. Beto up top for 60 minutes then DCL (or Chermiti) off the bench.
Also a chance for further minutes for Dobbin, and maybe a chance for some minutes for Harrison.
Another interesting option could be one of McNeil or Danjuma in Doucoure's position behind the striker.
8 Posted 27/09/2023 at 08:11:46
Keeping some momentum going is vital. A strong side for me. A rest for DCL; Patterson, Danjuma and Keane or Godfrey to come in. Chermiti and Dobbin off the bench.
A win tonight, followed by 3 points at the weekend, and our season is starting to look very different. Just 9 more league wins to go.
9 Posted 27/09/2023 at 08:12:24
Anyway, I just want to see an improvement on our previous visit, anything else would be a bonus. COYB!
10 Posted 27/09/2023 at 08:54:35
Having said that, we have a few issues to resolve. Our weakest part of the team at the moment is the defensive midfield where Gueye in particular keeps giving the ball away. Maybe tonight is the time to try Ben Godfrey or Ashley Young in that position. Or whoever plays the role in the Under-21s.
I'd like also, to see Chermiti get some proper game time. Bringing in Patterson or Harrison is potentially improving what we have anyway so this would not be a dangerous switch and would get them much-needed exposure.
Most of all, we need a performance to banish the disaster of our last game there. A win would be a bonus.
11 Posted 27/09/2023 at 09:25:32
Pickford
Patterson - Keane - Tarkowski - Myko
Danjuma - Gana - Doucoure - Harrison
Beto - Chermiti
Does show we're a little light in midfield, if Gomes was fit I'd throw him in and maybe even Godfrey who has played CDM before.
Ones to protect from overplaying are Garner, Branthwaite, DCL and McNeil IMO.
12 Posted 27/09/2023 at 09:28:12
13 Posted 27/09/2023 at 09:30:16
14 Posted 27/09/2023 at 09:50:41
Giving Gueye and Young a break is fine, Garner 100% needs to start and Harrison given some decent game time off the bench for McNeill, but don't see the argument for starting Keane AT ALL.
15 Posted 27/09/2023 at 10:01:14
I always read ToffeeWeb but rarely post but I got to say your post was absolutely spot on. Read every word. I'm 64 now and remember the good times but, like you so eloquently put it, it's in the past. Great post.
Onwards and Upwards!
16 Posted 27/09/2023 at 10:06:18
I imagine when it comes to priorities, Dyche is focused solely on Premier League survival after our awful start to the season. So resting first-choice players tonight ahead of Luton on Saturday will surely happen. Luton have an extra 24 hours on us and I believe made 10 changes yesterday (resulting in a deserved defeat at “mighty†Exeter).
So prepare yourselves for Keane, Godfrey, Patterson, Dobbin, Chermiti and others starting. I'd be surprised in fact if any of the first-choice team from the weekend start, except maybe Pickford as it's penalties straight after 90 minutes, I think.
I don't like it but it's footballing reality in the 21st century sadly. And I bet Villa do the same.
UTFT and the travelling 4,400
17 Posted 27/09/2023 at 10:24:15
My memorable moments of Villa Park are the semi finals against Luton and Sheffield Wednesday.
And then the Sheedy 1 - 0 win as we were closing on the title. We had at least 10,000 inside the stadium on seemingly all sides. I was in the away end.
I suspect more that the reported 4,400 will travel for this evening. How many of them get into the stadium, I don't know.
I'll see a few of you there before and during, as well as a couple of longstanding friends from my Army days. One a native of Allerton, another from Warwick who I introduced to Everton. The poor lad. His two children follow Everton as well.
Any game of football is winnable. And we have to win this trophy at some point.
Spirit and belief. That's what I'm travelling with.
Take Saturday with you blue boys.
18 Posted 27/09/2023 at 10:25:19
The likes of Chermitti, Dobbin and Patterson obviously need game time to develop though the former may be from the bench. Keep Tarkowski and Branthwaite, they need to keep building their relationship as will be crucial for us this season.
I'd go:
Pickford
Patterson Tarkowski Branthwaite Mykolenko
Harrison Onana Garner Dobbin
Danjuma
Beto (or Calvert-Lewin)
19 Posted 27/09/2023 at 10:55:57
Don't go chasing the game when it's too late.
Listening to music to relax myself. Randomly (as happens on the playlist), the two that are working?
The theme tune to the film Kelly's Heroes (Burning Bridges)
Is this the Way to Amarillo
Absolutely no relevance to Everton, but it's helping.
I can't wait and will be on my way into Birmingham soon.
20 Posted 27/09/2023 at 10:56:18
21 Posted 27/09/2023 at 11:15:25
Dyche-fit caught my eye Lyndon, because McNeil was blowing for tugs and at least a yard off the pace against Arsenal, but a week later he was still full of powerful running towards the end of the Brentford game.
Does the manager know his player, or was the player just enjoying his team playing well and winning?
Winning breeds confidence and confidence breeds momentum, so if Everton win tonight, then Goodison will be absolutely bouncing on Saturday.
Know your players and learn about the fans, the art of good management in a nutshell!
Hopefully it's - we're gonna shit on the Villa tonight Danny🤞
22 Posted 27/09/2023 at 11:16:01
But we all know it won't happen!
See you down there Danny. We're due into Birmingham New street around 1.15pm.
23 Posted 27/09/2023 at 11:52:57
Virginia,
Patterson, Keane, Godfrey, Young,
Harrison, Gueye, Onana, Dobbin.Danjuma,
Chermitti
Also give Onyango some game time in the second half to see where he's at as regards being ready for the 1st team.
I expect Villa to make at least 9 changes for this match.
Does anyone know if Luton made 11 changes last night or did they play their regular first team as they lost to Exeter?
ps: I draw your attention to
Everton, BK Hacken Glory and Zlatan: Johan Hammar Interview, which is well worth a listen.
24 Posted 27/09/2023 at 12:23:48
25 Posted 27/09/2023 at 12:26:37
26 Posted 27/09/2023 at 12:42:43
Pickford
Patterson Tarkowski Branthwaite Mykolenko
Garner Onana
Harrison Doucoure McNeil
Beto
Calvert-Lewin, Danjuma, Chermiti, Dobbin to change it up offensively if necessary in the last 20-30 minutes.
27 Posted 27/09/2023 at 13:07:16
It drives me absolutely mad when we don't play a full-strength team in the cup. Even if we get an injury or two, I'd like to think any team we put out Saturday should be able to deal with Luton, UTFT!!
28 Posted 27/09/2023 at 13:19:28
29 Posted 27/09/2023 at 14:21:36
A win tonight hardly hinders our prospects on Saturday?
30 Posted 27/09/2023 at 14:44:48
31 Posted 27/09/2023 at 14:45:31
Personally I hope Michael Keane gets nowhere near a start because he always has a mistake in him. I would be happy for Patterson and Harrison to get some game time and would like to see Danjuma given a start. Other than that I would see how the game is going and make tactical changes.
32 Posted 27/09/2023 at 14:45:41
Yes, losing.
We need to disrupt things as much as possible break up any semblance of a developing team spirit and go down to a whimpering defeat because it's character building.
The idea of breeding a winning mentally by having a settled first team getting good results in cups and league alike is cheating imo. But there we go
33 Posted 27/09/2023 at 15:16:38
In the Upper Tier.
34 Posted 27/09/2023 at 15:32:29
35 Posted 27/09/2023 at 15:52:14
I'd play a strong team but look to rest a couple we're still easing back. McNeil should not start and I wouldn't start DCL either. Both off the bench in the 2nd half for a run out. I'd start Patterson and give Young a rest.
So Patterson for Young and McNeil for Danjuma. Keep rest as is.
36 Posted 27/09/2023 at 16:53:50
Replace Gaye with Garner.
Chermiti on the flank.
Make Onana work in front of the defence.
I think Doucoure should be switched for Danjuma.
And Patterson for either Mykolenko or Young.
Pray the ref hates Villa.
COYB
37 Posted 27/09/2023 at 17:52:42
However it is a chance for others to possibly stake a claim and as Everton are not yet firing on all cylinders the opportunities for them are likely to arise.
Yes we want to win every game no matter how important but the next league game is more important than this and let's face it Villa are becoming a pain in the backside to us Evertonians.
If they can get off to a good start they may just beat Villa but if they play like the Doncaster game then we are toast.
38 Posted 27/09/2023 at 18:00:21
It's high time us Blues had our Easter day at Wembley and what that could lead too... European footy again.
I'll even take a shitty kopite victory (penalty shootout) tonight,time to show some bollocks and finally do villa at their gaff!
COYB...Just believe!!!
39 Posted 27/09/2023 at 18:28:37
As it happens the squad is so small it's not like there are lots of options. Onyango and Metcalfe both played (and lost) against Burton Albion last night for the u21s. Dobbin and Chermiti are the only other youngsters available. I'm not sure Virginia, at 23, is even a youngster anymore.
Otherwise, hopefully we'll see Patterson. But otherwise I guess Godfrey, Keane and (hells bells) Gomes could be given a run out.
40 Posted 27/09/2023 at 18:37:17
It'd be great to win a cup, but to me, we seem to be cursed as far as injuries go. We definitely played well at the weekend, and it looks like a great beginning of a decent team. I'd like to see as many of that team as poss, be fully fit for Saturday and next week.
41 Posted 27/09/2023 at 18:38:35
43 Posted 27/09/2023 at 19:16:24
Sorry... we're lower tier. Another time.
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1 Posted 27/09/2023 at 03:09:55
I'm also hoping he puts out a B team and focuses on Europe. We don't want another setback after our first win.