Everton vs Southampton: Carabao Cup preview | What next for the crisis-hit Toffees?

Toffees aim to ease woes in EFL clash

Everton will be looking to ease their Premier League woes when they host Southampton in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday night. Frank Lampard's side have lost their last three league games and are 19th in the table, just one point above the relegation zone.

The Carabao Cup offers Everton a chance to get back to winning ways and build some momentum ahead of a crucial run of Premier League fixtures. They face Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal in their next three league games.

Saints eye giant killing

Southampton, meanwhile, will be looking to cause an upset and reach the fourth round of the Carabao Cup for the first time since 2017. Ralph Hasenhuttl's side have won just one of their last five league games and are 15th in the table.

The Saints will be without a number of key players for the trip to Goodison Park, including Moussa Djenepo, Theo Walcott and Ibrahima Diallo. However, they will still be a dangerous opponent for Everton, who have struggled defensively in recent weeks.

Team news

Everton are expected to make changes to the side that lost 2-1 at Manchester United on Sunday. Dominic Calvert-Lewin could make his first start of the season after recovering from a knee injury, while Abdoulaye Doucoure and Anthony Gordon are also pushing for recalls.

Southampton are without a number of key players for the trip to Goodison Park, including Moussa Djenepo, Theo Walcott and Ibrahima Diallo. However, they will still be able to field a strong side, with Che Adams, Stuart Armstrong and James Ward-Prowse all in contention to start.

Prediction

Everton are the favorites to win the match, but Southampton have shown that they are capable of causing an upset. The Saints have won two of their last three matches against Everton, including a 2-0 victory at Goodison Park in the Premier League last season.

However, Everton will be desperate to get back to winning ways and they should have too much quality for Southampton. Calvert-Lewin's return is a major boost, and the England striker will be keen to make his mark after a long injury lay-off.

Prediction: Everton 2-1 Southampton