James Tarkowski has demanded that Everton "don't feel sorry for ourselves" ahead of their EFL Cup fourth-round meeting with Newcastle United on Thursday. 

The Toffees face Newcastle twice within four days, kicking off their double-header at Hill Dickinson Stadium before visiting the Magpies in the Premier League on Monday. 

After a promising start to the season, David Moyes' side have faltered in recent weeks, drawing with Hull City before suffering a pair of 2-0 losses against Chelsea and Arsenal. 

And Tarkowski has called on his team-mates to "work their way out" of their current form as they target a strong EFL Cup run. 

"We've got to demand that we don't feel sorry for ourselves," the Toffees skipper said after their loss to Arsenal last weekend. 

"The squad is small, so it's only us who can go out on that pitch and play. It's good for the lads because you know you're going to get plenty of minutes at the moment. 

"And we need to start picking up results. Even though we won against Ipswich, it feels… not like a slump, but it feels like we need to work our way out of this. 

"It's a big game on Thursday in the cup, one that we're all looking forward to." 

Indeed, Moyes will be hoping his captain's words ring true as he aims to improve on his EFL Cup record, which remains below-par for the Scot. 

Moyes has been eliminated from seven of his last 10 EFL Cup ties against sides from the Premier League, though two of the three he progressed from came in the fourth round – in 2021-22 against Manchester City and 2023-24 against Arsenal (both as manager of West Ham United). 

 Back home under the lights and ready for cup action.

— Everton (@Everton) October 26, 2026

But the Toffees have reached the fourth round for the first time since 2023-24, when they defeated Burnley.

They have, however, only progressed to the quarter-finals once in seven attempts under Moyes, beating Luton Town at this stage in 2007-08. 

Newcastle, meanwhile, boast a much stronger record in the EFL Cup and head coach Matthias Jaissle will certainly be hoping to make more happy memories in the competition. 

Since 2022-23, the Magpies have won 18 EFL Cup ties – six more than any other team, while lifting the trophy in 2025. 

Their previous 18 wins in the cup came over a period of 14 seasons between 2008-09 and 2021-22. Newcastle could secure their spot in the final eight for a fifth consecutive season, having won their last seven fourth-round ties dating back to a loss against Man City in 2013-14. 

"Due to the history of the club in that competition, I have the same approach, to play with the best possible lineup," the Newcastle boss said. 

"We are getting huge support again in an away match. It is really special, during the week, that we will have 8,000 fans with us, taking the journey to support us. 

"It shows the importance of that competition, and we will also be aligned with that and go all in.

"The fans have huge expectations and they have that taste now, with winning the competition."