Tonight's EFL Cup action marks the first of two fixtures between Everton and Newcastle United in the space of just five days.
After a positive start to the 2026/27 season -- unbeaten in their first eight games in all competitions -- negativity appears to be creeping in amongst Everton fans after successive defeats against Chelsea and Arsenal.
With just two traditional top six teams -- Liverpool and Manchester City -- in the competition, the Toffees will see this year's EFL Cup as a reasonable chance to end their 31-year trophy drought, however, and so this fourth round clash is as important as any.
Inconsistent feels like the right word to describe Newcastle's start to the 2026/27 campaign, winning three, drawing two and losing three of their opening eight Premier League matches.
Matthias Jaissle will be content with his side's start, however, and they will be desparate to reclaim the EFL Cup after winning the competition in 2025 to end their 70-year major trophy drought.
Moyes has made two changes to the Everton XI that lost 2-0 against Arsenal last time out.
Summer arrival Hayden Hackney replaces Harrison Armstrong in the engine room, while Tyler Dibling is given a rare start at right-wing in place of Brennan Johnson.
Jarrad Branthwaite is sidelined for a second consecutive game due to concussion protocols, while Jack Grealish is unavailable for selection after a breach of the club's discipline.
Jaissle has made just one alteration to the Newcastle team that emerged victorious at Selhurst Park.
Jacob Ramsey returns to the midfield in place of Joelinton.
Confirmed Everton starting XI
Jordan Pickford, Merlin Rohl, James Tarkowski, Jake O'Brien, Vitalii Mykolenko, James Garner, Hayden Hackney, Tyrique George, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tyler Dibling, Thierno Barry.
Confirmed Newcastle United starting XI
Lukas Hornicek, Amar Dedic, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall, Jacob Ramsey, Nico Gonzalez, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes, William Osula.
