“Everton Seek First Cup Victory as Dyche Weighs Lineup Choices for Southampton Showdown”
After four straight losses in the Premier League, Everton manager Sean Dyche faces several selection dilemmas ahead of the team’s Carabao Cup third round clash at home against Southampton on Tuesday, as they seek their first win against top-tier opposition this season.
Though Joao Virginia played in all three of Everton’s FA Cup matches last season, Jordan Pickford has been the go-to choice for Carabao Cup games. Given the team’s urgent need for a positive result and no pressing need to rest the goalkeeper, Dyche may opt to keep the England number one between the posts.
Before last Saturday’s match against Aston Villa, Dyche mentioned that captain Seamus Coleman was “touch and go” after an injury sustained in Ireland’s 2-0 UEFA Nations League loss to England. Coleman could return at right-back, with teenager Roman Dixon—who debuted against Tottenham Hotspur—being a more natural option than midfielder James Garner, who filled in at Villa Park. Ashley Young, Everton’s oldest outfield player, may have to switch from right-back to left-back, as Vitalii Mykolenko left the Villa match with an illness.
With Everton having conceded 13 goals in their first four Premier League games, they’re eager for Jarrad Branthwaite’s return, but he’s not ready yet. Jake O’Brien, who made his Premier League debut off the bench at Villa, may be the only change in central defense, possibly replacing either James Tarkowski or Michael Keane.
There’s more room for changes in midfield, where Idrissa Gueye and Tim Iroegbunam have started. Orel Mangala, who made his debut as a substitute against Aston Villa, could start, offering a new dynamic in midfield, while Garner might return to his preferred central role. Abdoulaye Doucoure and home-grown Harrison Armstrong, both unused substitutes last time, are also in contention.
Doucoure might also take up a more advanced midfield role, currently occupied by Dwight McNeil, who scored on Saturday. Jesper Lindstrom, another second-half substitute at Villa, provides another option on the wings, potentially replacing Jack Harrison or Iliman Ndiaye.
In attack, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has started all four Premier League games, scoring in the last two. Beto, who partnered him late on against Villa and scored in the 3-0 win over Doncaster Rovers in the previous round, could also feature.