Everton Faces Newcastle in EFL Cup Clash: Everything You Need to Know
Everton takes on Newcastle in the EFL Cup with crucial lineup changes and Jack Grealish sidelined.
In an eagerly anticipated EFL Cup fourth-round showdown at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton will host Newcastle United. However, the Toffees will be without their star playmaker, Jack Grealish, who has been ruled out due to a breach of club discipline.
Path to the Fourth Round
Both teams have shown determination in their journey to this stage of the tournament. Everton progressed with solid performances, having defeated Preston North End 4-0 away and narrowly overcoming Wolves 1-0 at home thanks to Charly Alcaraz's late goal.
Newcastle advanced similarly, thanks to last-minute heroics in both rounds. Harvey Barnes secured a home win over West Bromwich Albion, scoring in the 81st minute, while Joe Willock followed suit to clinch victory against Millwall on their trip.
Squad Updates for Everton
As they prepare for this clash, Everton has made two changes from their previous Premier League fixture, where they lost to Arsenal 2-0. Hayden Hackney and Tyler Dibling will step in for Harrison Armstrong and Brennan Johnson. Additionally, defender Jarrad Branthwaite will miss the match due to concussion protocols, adding to the team's challenges.
Everton's Starting XI:
- Pickford
- Rohl
- Tarkowski
- O’Brien
- Mykolenko
- Garner
- Hackney
- Dewsbury-Hall
- George
- Dibling
- Barry
Newcastle’s Lineup Shift
On the visitors' side, Newcastle has made a strategic adjustment by bringing Jacob Ramsey into the midfield in place of Joelinton following their recent 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace. They will miss the services of Lewis Miley and Matias Fernandez-Pardo due to injuries, alongside goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen and full-back Tino Livramento.
Newcastle's Starting XI:
- Hornicek
- Dedic
- Schar
- Burn
- Hall
- Gonzalez
- Ramsey
- Murphy
- Willock
- Barnes
- Osula
Where to Catch the Action
The match will kick off at 19:45 GMT (15:45 ET / 12:45 PT) on Thursday. Fans in the UK can tune in through Sky Sports Plus. If you're looking to watch online, Now TV offers options including a day pass for £14.99 or a monthly subscription starting at £27.99.
Historical Context
The duo has only met once before in the EFL Cup, where Everton triumphed in a penalty shootout, sealing a 6-5 victory following a dramatic 3-3 draw in November 2002. The match saw five goals scored after the 76th minute, showcasing the thrilling potential of cup ties.
In recent years, Everton's home record against Newcastle has been inconsistent, having won only once in their last four encounters. They did secure a convincing 3-0 win last December, with all goals netted after the 78th minute.
Newcastle, on the other hand, boasts a successful history in the EFL Cup, having lifted the trophy in the 2024/25 season. They have also reached the final multiple times, making them a formidable opponent in knockout competitions.
What Happens Next?
For this knockout matchup, if teams finish level after 90 minutes, they will directly go to penalties to determine the winner. This setup adds an extra layer of excitement for fans and players alike.
Should Everton emerge victorious, they will face Fleetwood Town in the quarter-finals, following Fleetwood's remarkable win against Arsenal in their recent game.
As the match approaches, anticipation builds around the potential for surprises and thrilling football action.