This third round tie brings together the two teams yet to pick up a point in the league so far this season and where the Blues and manager Sean Dyche are concerned, it has to be viewed as an opportunity to inject some confidence into the veins after two psychologically brutal 3-2 defeats.
Dyche has intimated that, just as he did in the last round against Doncaster, he will make changes to his team and field some players who are in need of minutes to either boost or maintain their fitness.
That is likely to mean only a second start for Jake O’Brien and Jesper Lindstrøm, while Abdoulaye Doucouré could also be in the starting XI for the first time since the 4-0 hammering at Tottenham on 24th August with Beto leading the line.
Team News
There could be an opportunity, therefore, for Roman Dixon to get more experience, either from the start or as a substitute, while deadline-day signing Orel Mangala is expected to make his full debut in midfield, possibly alongside James Garner.
Saints boss Russell Martin is also likely to make changes of his own, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis a possible starter while he has confirmed that forward Ross Stewart will be introduced off the bench at some stage as he continues to work his way back to full fitness after injury.
The south coast side demonstrated in the last round that they can score goals when they put five past Cardiff in a 5-3 win in Wales, a game in which Cameron Archer, a player with “previous” against Everton, scored a brace.
Dyche will remind his players of what was, eventually, a handsome win over Doncaster as evidence of what they can do as he seeks to lift them ahead of a hugely important fixture against Leicester City this coming weekend.
How to Watch
Kick-off: 7:45 pm, Tuesday 17 September 2024 Last Time: Everton 1 - 1 Southampton (3-4 on pens) — October 2018
If you want to watch the game Everton vs Southampton live on TV, your options is: CBS Sports Golazo.
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Predicted Line-ups
Southampton's probable team for the match is: McCarthy, Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Edwards and Taylor; Aribo, Lallana and Mateus Fernandes; Fraser, Armstrong and Amo-Ameyaw.
Recent Form
Everton and Southampton entered the Carabao Cup in the Second Round, getting through their games without any scares. In the Premier League, both teams are in crisis, with no points won, with Southampton in 19th place, ahead because they have a -7 goal difference, while Everton have a -9 goal difference and are in last place.
Everton come into this stage of the League Cup with one win and two defeats in their last games. On August 27, in the Second Round of the competition, they won 3-0 at home to Doncaster Rovers, with goals from McNeil, Ndiaye and Beto. On the 31st, the defeat came at home to Bournemouth, 3-2, with goals from Semenyo, Cook and Sinisterra, while Keane and Calvert-Lewin netted. And on Saturday (14), again by 3-2, the defeat came away to Aston Villa, with goals from Watkins, who scored twice, and Durán, while McNeil and Calvert-Lewin scored.
Southampton are in the same situation as their opponents, with one win and two defeats in their last games. On the 28th, 5-3 away to Cardiff, with goals from Mateus Fernandes, Amo-Ameyaw, Archer (2) and Bree, while Colwill, Edwards (own goal) and Robertson. On the 31st, again away from home, the defeat was 3-1 to Brentford, with goals from Mbeumo (2) and Wissa, while Sugawara pulled one back. And on Saturday (14), the defeat was 3-0 at home to Manchester United, with goals from De Ligt, Rashford and Garnacho.
Key Matchups
The two sides have played each other in the League Cup at this same stage as well back in October 2018 with the game ending in a draw and the Blues getting knocked out in a penalty shootout. Eternal pest Danny Ings had put the visitors ahead but Theo Walcott had tied the game late on in regulation time. Richarlison missed his spotkick and so did Walcott, taking the crucial fifth shot for the Saints to win 4-3.
The Saints spent last season in the Championship, but before that they’ve locked horns with the Blues at least twice every season. Everton have a pretty spotty record against Southampton overall, and the last time they played at Goodison ended in a 2-1 win for the visitors with Amadou Onana grabbing the Blues’ only goal in January 2023.
A Look Ahead
Everton haven't been able to get much right so far in the Premier League, but have an opportunity to right things somewhat in the Carabao Cup tonight where they host fellow strugglers Southampton in their third round clash tonight. Sean Dyche had the luxury of ringing the changes against lower League Doncaster Rovers in the previous round, and with his first choice lineup struggling mightily, it will be good to see some of the backups step up and stake their own claims for a starting XI berth.
This is likely to be the least consequential meeting between these two teams this term with so much at stake in the top flight. A win here would certainly be a morale booster for one side, and could even lead to a change in momentum.
Conclusion
Everton and Southampton will both be looking for a win to get their season back on track. It's a tough match to call, but Everton will be hoping to take advantage of their home advantage and get a win. With the Blues facing Leicester City this weekend, this could be a chance for the likes of Beto, O'Brien, and Lindstrøm to make their mark and prove themselves.
Who do you think will win?
