Everton welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Wednesday evening as the two sides battle for a place in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
The Toffees are unbeaten in their last six competitive matches, while Wolves enter the clash after returning to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United.
David Moyes’ side will be looking to avoid another cup disappointment against Wolves after the visitors knocked them out of the competition last season.
Everton looking to continue unbeaten run
Everton have made a strong start to the campaign despite drawing their last three Premier League matches.
The Toffees held both Manchester United and Tottenham to draws in their last two league outings, while they also defeated Preston North End 4-0 in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Everton have also impressed defensively, keeping three clean sheets in their last five competitive matches.
Moyes is expected to rotate his team, with Michael Keane, Hayden Hackney, Jack Grealish, Jake O’Brien and Tyler Dibling among those who could be handed starts.
Christian Norgaard remains unavailable, while Merlin Röhl is also expected to miss out.
Wolves arrive with confidence
Wolves will be hoping their dramatic victory over Sheffield United can provide momentum heading into the cup tie.
Raúl Jiménez scored a late winner at Bramall Lane to secure all three points and end a run of two games without a victory.
Cesar Peixoto’s side have made a solid start to life in the Championship following their relegation from the Premier League.
Wolves currently sit seventh in the second tier after six matches, having won three, drawn two and lost one.
The visitors have also already navigated two rounds of the Carabao Cup, beating Port Vale 3-0 before defeating Sheffield Wednesday 2-0.
Wolves facing selection concerns
Wolves could make several changes as Peixoto manages his squad during a busy period.
Kieran Trippier returned from injury against Sheffield United but is unlikely to start, while Yerson Mosquera and Rafiki Said remain unavailable.
Raúl Jiménez is another player to watch after his late winner at the weekend.
The experienced striker has also enjoyed previous success against Everton, although Wolves will need a strong overall performance if they are to repeat last season’s cup victory.
Everton vs Wolves prediction
This should be a much closer contest than the difference between the two sides’ divisions might suggest.
Everton have home advantage and enter the game in good form, while Wolves have already shown that they can compete against strong opposition this season.
However, the Toffees’ defensive record could prove decisive.
Moyes should have enough quality available even with changes to his starting XI, while Grealish and Dibling could provide the creativity needed to break down the visitors.
Wolves are likely to make this uncomfortable, but Everton should eventually edge the contest and avenge last season’s Carabao Cup exit.
Prediction: Everton 2-0 Wolves
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