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Everton face Championship Side Preston North End in the EFL Cup Second round at Deepdale.
David Moyes’ side begin their League Cup campaign at this stage, with The Lilywhites coming out on top in a difficult matchup against Huddersfield Town in the previous round.
Preston’s 93rd-minute equaliser, scored by Swedish international Jusef Erabi, sent the tie to penalties. This was all whilst Paul Heckingbottom’s side were down to ten men, with Everton academy graduate Lewis Gibson dismissed early on.
There has been some controversy this week regarding the words of David Moyes, with the Glaswegian seemingly not to be prioritising silverware through cup competitions, and instead Premier League survival.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, he said: “Of course we all want to win the cups. Yes, the cups are hugely important, would it be more important than staying in the Premier League?”
"I’ll ask you the question: Is winning a cup more important than staying in the Premier League? What would your answer be? Of course we want to do well in the cups, I can’t think of any manager who wouldn’t want a good run in the cups."
Surely Everton’s ambition this season should be more than “staying in the Premier League”, especially after such a strong start against Crystal Palace?
So, the side Moyes puts out may say a lot about what the priority is this season, and certainly a statement of the Glaswegian’s ambition ahead of another busy season.
EVERTON TEAM NEWS
James Garner made a shock return to the bench during the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, even making a feature for 10 minutes. Returning little by little from the minor groin injury suffered in the summer, the midfielder may play a role in Wednesday’s clash.
Moyes’ mentioned the likes of Michael Keane and Tyler Dibling as available and therefore likely starters. This is an opportunity for some fringe players to thrive and show their worth.
Finally, Tim Iroegbunam remains sidelined with an adductor strain.
EVERTON PREDICTED LINEUP (4-2-3-1)
Travers; Mykolenko, Keane, O’Brien, Rohl; Hackney, Armstrong; George, Alcaraz, Dibling; Beto
PRESTON NORTH END VS EVERTON MATCH DETAILS
Kick-off: 8 pm BST, Wednesday 26th August
Venue: Deepdale, Preston
HOW TO WATCH PRESTON NORTH END VS EVERTON
This EFL Cup game between Preston North End and Everton will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football. You can also follow updates here, on the ToffeeWeb Live Forum.
Reader Comments (6)
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2 Posted 26/08/2026 at 10:53:27
3 Posted 26/08/2026 at 11:02:16
4 Posted 26/08/2026 at 11:07:31
Against lower league sides, the first XI, with, if necessary, one or two rested should go all out to prove they are a premier side and get a big lead. THEN, rest your stars and bring in the fringe players.
I understand leaving out Branthwaite, as he is returning from injury. But Barry needs the boost of scoring goals. Armstrong and Hackney need to gel. George and Ndiaye need to find their scoring boots.
Beto may get a hat trick against a lower league team, but it will tell you nothing about his ability against top level defenders. Patterson will probably not be troubled by Preston's wingers, but he is clearly not in the manager's plans for the first team. Finally, if we are 3 nil up, bring on Travers and rest Pickford for the second half.
Next round please.
5 Posted 26/08/2026 at 11:07:59
6 Posted 26/08/2026 at 11:15:30
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1 Posted 26/08/2026 at 10:50:46