After a decent start in the Premier League, Everton will next host Championship new boys Rotherham United on Wednesday night to kick-start the League Cup journey.
Rotherham, despite having a mixed run in the second tier, knocked out league fellow Championship side Wigan Athletic in the previous round to set a date with the Merseyside outfit who were handed an early elimination last season after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in the fourth round tie.
This midweek contest, however, might turn out to be an intriguing tie.
Everton are set to be without Phil Jagielka and Richarlison through suspension. Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes, the duo signed from Barcelona, are not expected to be involved before next month’s international break.
Morgan Schneiderlin remains a major doubt after limping out against the Saints with a hamstring strain whereas Michael Keane has been ruled out for a few weeks after suffering a head injury versus the Cherries.
Youngster Ben Beningime will miss the tie due to an ankle injury while James McCarthy continues to be sidelined after suffering a horrific double leg fracture earlier this year.
Defence
Veteran Maarten Stekelenburg has been retained as the understudy of England ‘number 1’ Jordan Pickford and is in contention to make his first start under the new boss.
Jonjoe Kenny, the promising academy prodigy, has lost his place to fit-again Seamus Coleman but deserves a start in the Cup tie after such an encouraging display last season under Sam Allardyce. Options are limited in central defence through injuries and suspension which should see Chelsea loanee Kurt Zouma alongside Mason Holgate in central defence.
Lucas Digne, signed from Barcelona, was introduced in closing minutes against Wolves and could be handed the first start for his new club, replacing the experienced Leighton Baines in the left-back role.
Midfield
Idrissa Gueye is known for his tenacity in the middle of the park and Silva should not experiment much with his midfield that will be pivotal in controlling the flow of the game.
Young Tom Davies must feature following an incredible display against Bournemouth while Gylfi Sigurdsson could be deployed in his preferred playmaking role behind the attacking third.
Attack
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is struggling for opportunities and this midweek tie against the Millers should see him earning a start on the right flank. Brazilian international attacker Bernard had a late cameo on Saturday afternoon and could get his first taste of cup action.
Cenk Tosun is yet to find the target but should keep his place as the Toffees’ number 9.
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