Everton will host Doncaster Rovers in the second round of the EFL Cup at Goodison Park, looking to regain some pride after a very poor start to the Premier League season.
While Doncaster, a League Two side, has already defeated Salford City to reach this stage, Everton enters the competition at this point.
Match Preview
Everton
Everton Recent Form
Everton has endured a rough start to their Premier League campaign, suffering two consecutive defeats.
They lost 3-0 at home to Brighton & Hove Albion and were recently defeated 4-0 by Tottenham Hotspur, where a mistake from Jordan Pickford led to one of the goals.
Everton Injury News
Everton will be without Jarrad Branthwaite (groin), Nathan Patterson (thigh), and Chermiti (ankle) for this match.
James Garner and Seamus Coleman are also doubtful due to calf issues. However, Ashley Young returns from suspension, and new signings Jesper Lindstrom, Jake O'Brien, and Iliman Ndiaye are expected to start. Joao Virginia may replace Pickford in goal following his recent error.
Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster Recent Form
Doncaster has had a decent start to their League Two season, collecting six points from their first three matches.
They began with a 4-1 win against Accrington Stanley, suffered a 3-1 defeat to Newport County, and bounced back with a 1-0 win over Morecambe. They also defeated Salford City 2-0 in the first round of the EFL Cup.
Doncaster Injury News
Doncaster will be missing 39-year-old captain Richard Wood, who is recovering from ankle surgery.
James Maxwell and Ben Close are also out. However, Kyle Hurst, who recently had a calf concern, returned to action as a substitute in their win against Morecambe.
Billy Sharp, who was substituted early in their last game, is expected to start again.
Players To Watch
Everton Player To Watch
Beto - The forward will be crucial for Everton’s attack, especially against a
lower-league opponent where chances are expected to be more frequent.
Doncaster Player To Watch
Billy Sharp - The veteran striker has already shown his importance with a goal in the previous round and will be key to Doncaster’s hopes of an upset.
Prediction
Everton will be looking to use this match to bounce back from their Premier League woes and should have enough quality to secure a comfortable win against Doncaster.
Given Doncaster’s lower-league status and injury concerns, Everton are likely to dominate possession and create numerous goalscoring opportunities.
Everton 
Doncaster 
