Everton will host Burnley in an all-Premier League clash in the EFL Cup. The Everton supporters are eager for their team to break their current 28-year trophy drought. They are well-positioned to compete in this competition after their victory against Aston Villa.
Preview (Everton vs. Burnley)
Cup runs may not be the first priority at Goodison because Everton is one of the favorites to fight relegation in the Premier League, but their previous performance indicates that this season may be a little less stressful in that regard. Talks of a possible three, six, or even, in the worst event, a 12-point deduction, however, mean that the team will be under a shadow until the Premier League makes a decision over Everton’s purported financial violations. On the field, though, Everton is displaying its strengths, as manager Dyche guided them to their fourth road victory of the season at West Ham United this past weekend.
Under Dyche, Everton has lost just five of its 16 away games in all competitions. Those losses came against elite competition like Liverpool (twice), Arsenal and Manchester United. Previously, the Toffees frequently found themselves near the bottom of form tables when it came to away form. They now sit five points above Nottingham Forest in the relegation zone. They have some breathing room to concentrate only on cup concerns this midweek thanks to their current form. However, since the team has yet to win the League Cup, it has never been a competitive advantage.
In stark contrast to the previous season, when they boasted the greatest attack and defense in the Championship, Burnley is yet to score more than ten goals in the league and has given up twenty-five as well. This is despite their aspirations to play attractive, expansive football. The only two wins Burnley has had in this competition have come away from home. It came against Nottingham Forest and Luton Town. The other two wins have come at Salford City and Forest.
Team News
Ashley Young, who was sent out at Anfield two weeks ago. He has completed his ban and will be available for Everton once more. Despite the strong play of many of the first-choice XI, Dyche may rotate slightly. Other defensive options include Michael Keane or Ben Godfrey. They might be considered despite their recent struggles when thrown into the starting lineup.
For a starting berth on the left wing, Arnaut Danjuma will compete with Dwight McNeil. They might play against their previous team. Following his recent expulsion from the league team, Idrissa Gueye is also expected to start. Either Almadou Onana or Abdullaye Doucoure is likely to get a rest. In addition to making significant changes in Burnley’s two EFL Cup games thus far, Kompany replaced James Trafford as the team’s cup goalkeeper with Kosovo international Arijan Muric. Following his suspension, Connor Roberts is again available, and striker Kyle Foster may make a comeback after missing the weekend’s loss due to sickness.
Given that neither Jay Rodriguez nor Jacob Bruun Larsen has had a start this season outside of this competition, they are both strong possibilities to start as offensive players right away. The most well-known injury absence for the visitors is Manuel Benson, who could suffer a knock. Michael Obafemi, Jordan Beyer, and Hjalmar Ekdal are also missing.
Everton 2 – 1 Burnley
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