This will be the first of two meetings in quick succession between the sides, who will face each other again in the Premier League just four days later at St James’ Park.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 21/10

Bookmaker: Bovada

Everton

After an excellent start to the season, Everton have hit a minor bump in the road.

David Moyes’s side went eight matches unbeaten in all competitions before successive 2-0 defeats against Chelsea and Arsenal. The latest loss at the Emirates marked the 400th defeat of Moyes’s managerial career and highlighted an issue that has followed the Toffees throughout much of the campaign: a lack of goals.

Only the teams currently occupying the relegation places have scored fewer Premier League goals than Everton, whose tally of eight strikes underlines their struggles in the final third.

With Premier League survival appearing less of a concern this season, the EFL Cup represents an attractive opportunity for the club to pursue a long-awaited trophy. Everton have already defeated Preston North End and Wolverhampton Wanderers to reach this stage and will be eager to continue their progress.

Team News

Jarrad Branthwaite remains unavailable after suffering a concussion, while Jack Grealish is a doubt due to illness. Moyes is expected to make some changes, though not a complete overhaul, given the relatively small size of his squad.

Players such as Michael Keane, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Hayden Hackney and Carlos Alcaraz could be handed opportunities, while Tyler Dibling may earn a start after impressing earlier in the competition.

Newcastle United

Newcastle travel to Merseyside in far better spirits after an important league victory at Crystal Palace.

Matthias Jaissle had come under increasing pressure following three defeats in four matches, but a composed 2-0 success at Selhurst Park relieved some of that scrutiny and lifted the Magpies into the top half of the Premier League table.

The visitors have developed a strong recent relationship with the EFL Cup. Since the 2022-23 season, no club has won more matches in the competition than Newcastle, highlighting their ability to take cup football seriously despite demanding league schedules.

Newcastle have already overcome West Bromwich Albion and Millwall in this season’s tournament and are aiming to reach the quarter-finals for a fifth consecutive campaign.

Team News

Injury concerns remain. Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Lewis Miley are both doubtful, while Tino Livramento and Ewen Jaouen are unavailable.

However, Jaissle has indicated that he intends to select another strong lineup. Harvey Barnes and William Osula, both of whom impressed against Crystal Palace, are pushing to retain their places, while Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey are available for consideration after recent fitness issues.

Key Factors to Consider

• Everton have lost their last two Premier League matches without scoring.
• Newcastle responded to a difficult run with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
• The Magpies have one of the strongest EFL Cup records in recent seasons.
• Everton have scored only eight league goals this season.
• Newcastle have reached the EFL Cup quarter-finals in four consecutive campaigns.
• Both clubs face each other again in the Premier League just four days later.

Conclusion

Everton’s home advantage and determination to progress should ensure a closely fought contest, particularly given Moyes’s desire to mount a serious cup run.

However, Newcastle appear to possess greater attacking quality and arrive with renewed confidence following their victory at Crystal Palace. The Magpies have also demonstrated a consistent ability to navigate their way through this competition in recent years.

Expect a tight encounter with limited chances, but Newcastle’s stronger firepower could ultimately prove decisive.