It’s a case of dusting ourselves off and going again following the second collapse from the toffees in as many games. Whilst the overall result at Villa Park might not have been as much of a surprise as the game against Bournemouth, the overall performances of many of the players will certainly lead fans to thinking we are in for another long season. Sean Dyche’s side are showing they are able to score goals, with 4 in their last 2 games. However, there is an absence of clinical finishing in key moments of matches that still needs to be addressed. At the other end of the pitch the numbers speak for themselves. 0 clean sheets in the league and 13 goals conceded in 4 games. The absence of Branthwaite, telling and the lack of recruitment in the fullback positions, inexcusable.
A break from the Premier League, under the lights of Goodison Park once again in the League Cup, this time against Premier League opposition Southampton. Far from a ‘mouthwatering’ tie, as the only two sides without a point in the Premier League fight for a place in the next round…
If You Know Your History… Everton v Southampton Through the Years
The sides met in the League Cup as recently as 2018, with Southampton progressing on penalties following a 1-1 draw on the night at Goodison. Southampton also won on their last visit to Goodison Park, back in January of 2023. They would eventually go on to be relegated at the end of that season.
In the last 35 meetings between the 2 sides, Everton have won on 15 occasions. Southampton have 11 victories over the Toffees and the sides have drawn on 9 occasions.
Team News
Sean Dyche will likely rest a few players this evening, ahead of the league game against Leicester this weekend. Mykolenko is a doubt following an illness that saw him leave the pitch early at Villa Park. Amando Broja is not in contention but we may see minutes from Seamus Coleman, Jarred Branthwaite and potentially Nathan Patterson as the trio look to gain match fitness.
Former Everton target Sulemana is unavailable for the Saints, as he recovers from an ankle injury. Elsewhere keeper Bazunu is still recovering from an achilles injury and Juan Larios is also unlikely to be featured.
What the Manager Says
Dyche on Everton’s poor start to the season – “The work continues” was the message from the manager following the Villa defeat. “More killer instinct [in both boxes]”, “We will hope for and work for a better outcome [against Southampton]”.
Everton Key Player
Jesper Lindstrom – It is hard to know how much rotation we will see from Sean Dyche in the cup but this man is a ‘must-start’ for a number of reasons. Dwight McNeil seems to be finding some form in terms of goals and assists but ultimately Everton still require creative options from their other wingers. Lindstrom showed promising flashes in pre-season and against Spurs in the league. His appearance in the League Cup maybe drew attention to a lack of match fitness. He will have to take his chances in the cup and hope for a cup run if he is to really show his full potential on Merseyside. Limited to only league action could see another Danjuma situation on our hands. We know that Dyche has his core group of starters, but a strong performance from the Dane could give him something to think about.
One to Watch for Southampton:
Aaron Ramsdale– Everton need to be more clinical in front of goal and the man likely to be in between the sticks for Southampton is a man hungry to revitalize his career. Ramsdale moved to Southampton over the summer, looking for first-team football after losing his Arsenal spot to David Raya. Pickford’s England understudy was for a while seen as a keeper to succeed the Everton number 1 for the national team. Whilst that is yet to happen, the 26-year-old will have a point to prove on Tuesday night.
Final Thoughts
The cup provides something of a ‘free-hit’ for Sean Dyche and his out of sorts side. A chance to get minutes into the legs of those returning to full fitness, a chance to boost the morale of the fans and players alike. It is also a chance to get a first win this season over Premier League opposition. Everton have never won this competition. Based on the early performances of this season, fans will believe that this is unlikely to change. It’s certainly a case of building back the trust and respect of the fan base game by game and progression in the cup would be a solid first step to take.
Prediction
2-1. It will be said every time Everton play at home in the cup competitions this season but, ‘this could be the final cup game at Goodison Park’. With that in mind and with the newly promoted Southampton side also struggling, I would expect a win from Everton. If it truly is ‘fine margins’ that have cost the Toffees in the last 2 games, then you would hope that those margins might move in our favour this time round.
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