Premier League giants Everton and Burnley will battle for a place in the EFL Cup quarter-finals at Goodison Park this Wednesday night, marking a significant encounter as Burnley’s Sean Dyche faces his former club for the first time since his 2022 sacking.

Match Preview

The Everton faithful are fervently hoping to witness their team put an end to a 28-year trophy drought.

Their recent victory over Aston Villa in the previous round of the EFL Cup has given them a genuine shot at making a deep run in the competition.

While the Premier League struggle looms for Everton, cup runs are not the top priority at Goodison Park.

However, Everton’s recent form suggests that this season may be less stressful on that front.

Nevertheless, discussions about a potential points deduction—ranging from three to twelve points—continue to cast a shadow over the club due to alleged financial breaches.

On the pitch, Everton is showcasing their capabilities under manager Dyche.

Historically plagued by dismal away form, Everton has managed to secure four away victories in the current season.

Notably, their losses came against top-tier opponents, including Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Aston Villa.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin played a pivotal role in Everton’s recent success, scoring crucial goals, including the match-winner against West Ham United.

In their journey to the EFL Cup quarter-finals, Everton secured two away victories, most notably against Aston Villa.

Their current form is impressive, with four wins in six games, pushing them out of the relegation zone and allowing them to focus on cup competitions.

Although the League Cup hasn’t been favorable for Everton historically, they’ve reached the final twice.

Their best showings include three semi-final appearances, narrowly falling short against elite teams like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City.

Burnley enters this clash struggling in the league, with eight defeats this season.

Their hopes for expansive football have not translated into a strong offensive record, having scored fewer goals and conceded more than last season when they dominated the Championship.

While Burnley has enjoyed success in the EFL Cup this season, they’ve struggled in the fourth round in previous years.

The club has never reached the final but has reached three semi-finals, with the most recent one occurring in 2009.

Team News

For Everton, Ashley Young will be available again, potentially rotating the lineup.

Michael Keane or Ben Godfrey may also be in contention.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to be rested, with Beto starting up front.

Arnaut Danjuma and Dwight McNeil compete for a spot on the left wing.

Idrissa Gueye may start, with Amadou Onana or Abdoulaye Doucoure likely to be rested.

Burnley’s manager, Vincent Kompany, has made significant changes in EFL Cup matches, with Arijanet Muric as the club’s cup goalkeeper.

Connor Roberts is available again, and striker Lyle Foster may return.

Jacob Bruun Larsen and Jay Rodriguez could start in attack. Manuel Benson is the most high-profile injury absence.

Predicted Lineups:

Everton:

• Pickford;
• Young, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko;
• Harrison, Gueye, Onana, Garner, Danjuma;
• Beto

Burnley:

• Muric;
• Vitinho, Al-Dakhil, O’Shea, Taylor;
• Brownhill, Cork, Berge;
• Gudmundsson, Rodriguez, Bruun Larsen

Prediction:

Everton’s inconsistent home form and Burnley’s recent success on the road make this a closely contested match. With both teams expected to rotate players, the encounter may go the distance.

• Our prediction: Everton 1-1 Burnley (Everton to win on penalties)