The EFL Cup is back in town this week, with a host of intriguing fixtures consisting of clubs vying for a spot in the quarter-finals. Everton are one such side, with their home tie with Burnley an ample opportunity to achieve such a feat.
Having last visited Wembley in 2016, losing in added time to Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final, this is a fanbase that has been devoid of any hope for nearly a decade now.
Relegation battles are far more commonplace than staking any claims for silverware, with Sean Dyche surely desperate to change that whilst also ensuring safety is earned in the Premier League.
West Ham United v Everton FC – Premier League
With that seeming like a far easier task this season, perhaps he will want to maintain a strong line-up for tonight’s clash under a floodlit Goodison Park whilst still rotating his stars.
As such, there could be as many as six changes expected from the win over West Ham United…
Here’s our predicted XI for Everton’s game vs Burnley…
Whilst some managers prefer to offer their second-choice goalkeepers a run in the cups, Jordan Pickford has been ever-present in every competition in recent years. As such, he is expected to retain his spot.
The back four could see some wholesale changes from the one that kept a clean sheet in east London, allowing Ben Godfrey to replace Jarrad Branthwaite as central defender alongside James Tarkowski.
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The former Norwich City defender, who joined for £20m back in 2020, has a real point to prove if he is given the nod, having struggled for fitness despite earning praise in the past by journalist James Whaling for his physical qualities.
Branded a ‘monster’, this defensive duo could then be flanked by Nathan Patterson and Ashley Young, allowing Vitaliy Mykolenko to rest.
The midfield three could again see a large upheaval, retaining Amadou Onana to ensure their key man remains to dictate the play. Alongside him is expected to be Idrissa Gana Gueye, with a first senior start a very real possibility for young Mackenzie Hunt.
Having been on the bench in two league games now this term, it is clear that the 21-year-old has caught Dyche’s eye.
He will hope to supply a potent front three, with Beto and Arnaut Danjuma desperate to take their opportunities with a couple of fine performances up front. The relentless Dwight McNeil will likely retain his spot too.
