Sunderland face Everton at Goodison Park in the Carabao Cup. Last time out Sunderland drew at Hull and Everton lost to Manchester United. Everton boss Ronald Koeman will make changes for the Carabao Cup third-round visit of Sunderland on Wednesday. Maarten Stekelenburg could replace Jordan Pickford in goal while defenders Jonjoe Kenny and Mason Holgate and midfielders Mohamed Besic and Davy Klaassen are in contention for starts. Sunderland boss Simon Grayson will be tempted to make a few changes and give an opportunity to some of the youngsters. Duncan Watmore could make the bench after playing 45 minutes and scoring a penalty against Man City U23s at the weekend. Sunderland's on-loan Everton players, Ty Browning and Brendan Galloway are unable to face their parent club. Black Cats striker James Vaughan (illness) is fit for selection. Simon Grayson: "I came to this football because I wanted to, and Sunderland chose me as the right man to come here.” "I knew the parameters we were going to be working in so it has been no great surprise. We've had to change the squad around, and that's what you have to do.” "Trying to turn draws or good performances into victories; that's my main concern," "What happens off the pitch doesn't really bother me because I will work within whatever parameters I'm given.” Ronald Koeman: "We need to analyse the game but it is important to take the positives from Sunday and prepare ourselves for Wednesday.” "We now play four times in a row at home in different competitions, we need a feeling for a win and that will give the best confidence to the players." Match facts: Everton have been eliminated in both of their League Cup ties against Sunderland, most recently in a penalty shootout in November 1998 - a campaign that saw the Black Cats reach the semi-finals. The Toffees have won five of their last six League Cup matches against lower league opposition (L1), although that loss came at this stage last season - a 2-0 defeat by Norwich at Goodison Park. Indeed, Everton have only progressed past the third round in two of the past seven seasons. Sunderland have lost their last five League Cup games against Premier League opponents, including a 3-1 defeat at Wembley in the 2014 League Cup final against Manchester City. Form: Sports Analytics Machine – ??? Prutton predicts: ??? Referee: OLIVER LANGFORD Assistants: James Wilson and Robert Merchant Fourth official: Jeremy Simpson Team Line ups Sunderland Subs from Ruiter, Jones, Robson, Gooch, Love, Rodwell, Watmore, Maja Doubtful Kone, McGeady Injured McNair (knee, Sep), Watmore (knee, Sep), Maja (knee, Sep), Grabban (hamstring, Oct), O’Shea (calf, Sep) Everton Pickford, Martina, Williams, Jagielka, Baines, Besic, Gueye, Mirallas, Klaasen, Vlasic,Calvin-Lewis Subs from Steklenberg, Sandro, Sigurdson, Davies, Rooney, Lookman, Niasse Injured ?? Betting Odds: H 2/7 A 9/1 D 9/2 My two pence: Everton may well be in the bottom 3 but just look at who they have played so far, that’s been a tough run of games to start the season. An away win and cup run would be good for team confidence but I just can’t see it happening. I am going for a home win 2-0 Ha’way the Lads
Great thread cheers! nteresting situation developing here. We now know in no uncertain terms that until Ellis gets his money (and Interest) back we aren't spending a penny. But now that's out in the open I can look at every game with the "**** it let's see". The players have nothing to lose but pride because off the field we're so limited that it's amazing we even have players! Now the pressure is off them we could see abit more freedom in the play. I think Everton will have too much for us but if we put up a good fight I'll be happy Heart says 2-0 us Head says 4-1 Everton
Give it a good go lads, that's all we ask the result whichever way it goes will be acceptable as long as we give a good account if ourselves. I'd settle for a penalty shoot out win mind
Brilliant thread as usual - no predictions from me only that the Carabo cup brings unexpected results and we may have BL looking down on us.
They have totally undermined this tournament over the years, where now it is becoming a reserve team tournament for many teams..
Thought I recognised the one on the right!! But seriously why the hell doesn't the campaign manager crack a smile?
Something I can't work out from the OP - technically - we're in better form than Everton? They've spent over £100m!