Everton face Fulham in a Quarter-Final tie at Goodison Park in 2023-24 Carabao Cup.
Victory would see Everton reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2015-16 season, whilst Fulham are chasing a first League Cup semi-final appearance in their history.
Team News
Abdoulaye Doucoure is unlikely to be available for Everton after he suffered a hamstring injury during their win at Burnley.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Idrissa Gueye are back from suspension but Vitaliy Mykolenko (knock), Seamus Coleman (fitness) and Ashley Young (knock) are doubts.
Andre Gomes (calf) and Dele Alli (hip) remain absent.
Fulham will be without Raul Jimenez for their next three matches after he was red carded during their defeat at Newcastle last weekend.
Calvin Bassey (illness) could return but Tim Ream (calf) and Adama Traore (hamstring) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Everton face Fulham in a 7:45pm GMT kick-off at Goodison Park on Tuesday 19 December, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Everton lost their only previous League Cup meeting against Fulham by 2-1 result away at Craven Cottage in September 2013 (L1).
- Fulham are playing away to Everton for the first time in this competition.
- Everton have won three of their last five League Cup ties against Premier League rivals (W3, L2).
- Fulham have lost in all five of their previous Quarter-Fiinal appearances in this competition (L5).
Prediction
Finally in a strong groove with no goals conceded in their last four games and their passionate support ignited by their points deduction last month, Everton surely have to be favourites now that form has swung in their favour with especially a well-controlled clinical win at Burnley.
Fulham meanwhile looked up for the fight against Newcastle until Jimenez’s red card then their resilience and defensive discipline slowly but steadily were outclassed as the Magpies ruthlessly made their one-man advantage count.
Marco Silva’s Cottagers therefore need to put that game behind them and focus on chasing a first League Cup semi-final, but they will have to be at their best defensively if want to beat an in-form Everton which does look a tough ask.
Everton however lost to Fulham in their league meeting here on the opening day of the season so I wouldn’t be surprised if this game is super-close and goes to penalties, with the Toffees possibly having the edge through Jordan Pickford’s goalkeeping.
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Fulham (Everton to win on penalties)
Result: Everton 1-1 Fulham (Fulham win 7-6 on penalties)