Just three days after defeating Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, Everton are set to face Mansfield Town at Hill Dickinson Stadium in the Carabao Cup second round. The team is expected to see several changes as manager David Moyes aims to balance squad rotation and a push for progress in the cup.
Everton writers Joe Thomas and Matt C Jones outlined their preferred starting line-ups ahead of the match. Thomas emphasized the importance of a successful cup run, reflecting on last season’s penalty shootout defeat to Fulham in the quarter-finals as a key moment that affected morale. He wrote, “It would be brilliant if Everton could have a cup run this year. The closest in ages has been the Carabao Cup run that ended with Amadou Onana’s penalty miss in the quarter-final shootout against Fulham. That morale-killing loss was one of the reasons for the four month winless streak in the Premier League that followed, for me at least.” Thomas pointed out how other clubs demonstrated that strong teams can be beaten and added, “Last season, Crystal Palace, Newcastle and a host of clubs across Europe showed those who typically hoover up the silverware can be toppled and with the talent Everton should be able to put onto the pitch come September 2, I don’t think the Blues should fear anyone.”
He also commented on squad selection: “To mount a challenge they have to see off a Mansfield Town team that has had a good start in League One. I’d use enough to first team players to ensure the job is done but I would use this as a chance to spread out minutes too.” Discussing specific player choices he added, “The sight of Vitalii Mykolenko back in training this week was a positive one but getting Adam Aznou up to speed is crucial. He starts for me, today. On the other side of the defence I’d start Seamus Coleman given he has been on the bench this season. I’d give James Tarkowski a break after a tough game for him on Sunday – we have to remember he spent most of the summer dealing with one of the worst injuries he has suffered.” He continued about midfield changes: “That would allow me to move Jake O’Brien into his best position, alongside Michael Keane. Ahead of them, I would rest Idrissa Gueye and play a midfield three of Harrison Armstrong, Carlos Alcaraz and James Garner.”
Regarding attacking options Thomas said, “Garner would sit deepest and Alcaraz would support Beto, who could do with some confidence, and would start on top. I’d then play Dwight McNeil on the left wing and give Isaac Heath a first competitive start on the right – he was lively in pre-season.” He concluded his suggestions by saying, “Oh, and Mark Travers would get his debut too.”
Jones focused on balancing experience with opportunities for squad players: “It’s always a fine balancing act the early stages of the League Cup, isn’t it? Moyes will want to get minutes into the legs of some of his squad players and this is a rare opportunity to do so outside the pressure-cooker environment of the Premier League. Still, a trophy is a trophy – and 30 years is a long time without one.” On tactics he suggested: “So as is often the case in these matches, expect the team to be a little bit of a mix and match.”
Discussing individual selections Jones wrote: “In goal, Mark Travers should be capable of deputising for Jordan Pickford in this one. It will also be an opportunity for Seamus Coleman to lead the team out at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Dwight McNeil plugging the troublesome left-back berth.” About midfield management Jones explained: “Further forward, Idrissa Gueye needs to be used carefully given his advancing years. James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall can fill the deeper midfield berths, with Carlos Alcaraz coming in to play behind the striker.” He noted some high-profile inclusions: “Out wide, Jack Grealish keeps his place of course, while Tyler Dibling can start on the right flank after completing his move from Southampton. The match feels like a perfect chance for him to be introduced to Evertonians.” As for forwards he stated: “Thierno Barry was impressive on Sunday without getting a goal. I would stick with him here, giving new forward great chance breaking his scoring duck.”
Everton’s approach appears cautious yet ambitious as they manage key players’ fitness while hoping younger talents make an impression against Mansfield Town.
