Everton
Capital One Cup- Second Round
Goodison Park, Goodison Road, Liverpool, L4 4EL
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Weather forecast: Sunny Intervals, 15oc
Referee: Keith Stroud (Dorset)
After beating Ipswich in the First Round, an away tie at Premier League Everton is the reward for Boro who will be hoping for another memorable cup victory. New Toffees manager Roberto Martinez didn’t win the FA Cup with Wigan last season by underestimating opponents, so he’s likely to take Boro’s threat extremely seriously as both teams fight for a place in the third round.
Last time we met:
This fixture will be the first time the two clubs have ever met each other. The lowest division Everton have ever competed in is Division Two, and that was only for a few years throughout the 30s and 50s.
Team news:
Everton are likely to make changes for this game with Roberto Martinez expected to rest the likes of Marouane Fellaini, Leighton Baines and Kevin Mirallas. There could be a return for Tony Hibbert, Joel Robles could get a start in goal whilst Victor Anichebe could also be named in the starting XI.
Stevenage could stick with the same XI that started Saturday’s win at Notts County. Simon Heslop, Oumare Tounkara and Greg Tansey all came on as subs in that game so will be hoping to go one better and be included from the start for this one. Ben Chorley misses out through injury whilst Sam Wedgbury is also a doubt after missing the last two games.
The Everton Scout Report:
Recent Form:
Everton have started the season with two draws from their first two games after a 2-2 draw at Norwich on the opening day of the Premier League season was followed by a goalless draw at home to West Brom at the weekend. You won’t find anybody at the club getting too down though, as in both games Everton dominated in terms of possession and goal-scoring opportunities but a mixture of bad-luck and outstanding goalkeeping denied them victories. Ben Foster in particular played terrific to deny Everton last weekend and Chris Day may have to have a similar sort of game if Boro are to advance to the next round.
Possible Everton Line-Up: (4-2-3-1 formation)
Joel Robles; Tony Hibbert, Phil Jagielka, John Heitinga, John Stones; Darren Gibson, Leon Osman; Steven Naismith, Ross Barkley, Victor Anichebe; Arouna Koné
Subs from: Tim Howard, Seamus Coleman, Leighton Baines, Kevin Mirallas, Steven Pienaar, Nikica Jelavic, Gerard Deulofeu, Magaye Gyueye
Key Man:
Ross Barkley has had a fantastic start to the season, illustrated by a stunning goal against Norwich and this could be his breakthrough year. After loan-spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds, the youngster seems ready to be a first-team player and his high-energy levels, technical skill and ability to drive through midfield will be a serious threat to Boro.