Everton will host Southampton this Tuesday as the focus will shift from the Premier League to the EFL Cup. The Toffees ended a tough run of results with a comfortable win over Fulham this past weekend and manager Marco Silva will be keen on building on that win and potentially going deep in the Cup competition.
The Merseyside club haven’t been able to impress in the domestic cups in the last few seasons but this time, they have a pretty good squad to do so. Dominic Calvert-Lewin stole the show when Everton faced Rotherham in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Southampton have been in a dire run of form of late and the Blues start as the favourites heading into the tie.
Everton Team News
We’ve seen Bernard get a few minutes in the last couple of games and he is in line to start. Young Ademola Lookman had an impressive loan spell at Leipzig last season but the presence of Theo Walcott and Richarlison has shackled him this season. He could get his chance in the Cup game.
Yerry Mina’s debut will have to wait as the Colombian was injured in training and isn’t fit to make his bow.
Predicted Everton Lineup
Defence
Everton do have a tough trip to the King Power coming up, so expect a few changes against Southampton this Tuesday. Stekelenburg could get his chance as he is Everton’s designated cup ‘keeper. Lucas Digne started against Fulham but is expected to make way for Leighton Baines at the left-back position.
Jonjoe Kenny should keep his place at right-back. Mason Holgate has been impressive in patches this season and could partner Kurt Zouma at the heart of the defence.
Midfield
Morgan Schneiderlin is likely to replace Idrissa Gueye and partner Tom Davies at central midfield. Gueye has been a key figure this season for the Toffees, averaging an incredible six tackles a game. Schneiderlin has had a slow start, but a game against his former club, who are struggling at the moment, could be the ideal tie to help build his confidence.
Gylfi Sigurdsson scored twice against Fulham and knitted the play really well, He should start against Southampton in the number 10 role. The ideal thing to do would be to see off the game in little more than 60 minutes and take him off with the weekend fixture in mind.
Attack
Lookman and Bernard should get their chance to start on the wide areas. Cenk Tosun finally got off the mark against Fulham this Saturday and could lead the line.
Tosun
Lookman – Sigurdsson – Bernard
Schneiderlin – Davies
Baines – Zouma – Holgate – Kenny
Stekelenburg
Stats via Whoscored