Everton vs Wolves: League Cup Preview & Branthwaite Boost

EvertonEVE

Charly Alcaraz 80'

League Cup

1–0

Full Time

HT 0–0

Hill Dickinson Stadium

Liverpool, Merseyside

WolvesWOL

AI ForecastsGraded

Everton open their Round of 32 campaign at Hill Dickinson Stadium on the back of a dominant cup run, having put four past a hapless lower-league opponent without reply and riding a four-match unbeaten streak. Wolves arrive with their own momentum — two clean-sheet wins in this…

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Match Stats

Top Stats

1.53xG0.31

62%Possession38%

16 (6)Shots (on target)6 (2)

4Big Chances Created0

Attacking Play

1.36xG on Target0.20

Possession & Passing

634 · –Passes (accuracy)377 · –

6Corners2

Duels & Pressing

48Duels Won43

10 (63%)Aerial Duels Won6 (38%)

Defending & Discipline

2Saves5

13Fouls13

Everton vs Wolves: League Cup Preview & Branthwaite Boost

Published Tue 15 Sept

Everton welcome Wolves to the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool this Wednesday for the League Cup Round of 32. David Moyes’ side will be eager to avenge last season's exit at this exact stage of the competition against their Championship-chasing opponents.

A Score to Settle in the League Cup

There is a palpable sense of unfinished business for Everton heading into this midweek tie. It was Wolves who abruptly ended the Toffees' Carabao Cup journey in the third round last season, securing a 2-0 victory at Molineux courtesy of goals from Marshall Munetsi and Tolu Arokodare.

Everton have not lifted a major trophy since 1995, and Moyes is acutely aware of how quickly a promising route to Wembley can vanish. However, the hosts arrive with significant momentum, boasting a five-match unbeaten run in league competition and fresh off a comprehensive 4-0 demolition of Preston in the previous round, where Thierno Barry netted a hat-trick.

Everton Team News and Injury Latest

Moyes faces a familiar selection dilemma: balancing the desire for a cup run with the physical demands of the league. The Everton manager has already confirmed that Christian Norgaard remains sidelined until after the international break, while Merlin Rohl is also expected to miss out after being absent against Tottenham. There are lingering doubts over Jordan Pickford's fitness, meaning former Wolves goalkeeper Tom King or Mark Travers could deputise.

On a more positive note, the hosts have received a substantial defensive boost. Medical staff reportedly believe Jarrad Branthwaite is fit enough to handle three games in a week, putting him in contention. Rotation is highly likely, offering opportunities for fringe players. Jack Grealish, who is yet to start since his summer arrival, could feature from the first whistle to build his match fitness, while Jake O'Brien and Tyler Dibling are pushing for inclusion.

Wolves Form Guide and Derby Distractions

Cesar Peixoto’s Wolves travel to Merseyside with one eye potentially drifting towards a looming Black Country derby this coming Sunday. The visitors made eight changes in the previous round and may employ a similar strategy at the Hill Dickinson Stadium to protect key assets.

The visiting treatment room remains busy. Yerson Mosquera is sidelined with a high ankle ligament injury sustained against Blackburn, and Rafiki Said continues his rehabilitation from an MCL issue on an anti-gravity treadmill. Kieran Trippier is nearing a return from his own knee ligament problem but is unlikely to be risked from the start. Former Everton prospect Joao Virginia is heavily tipped to start in goal for the away side.

With both managers carefully managing their squads ahead of pivotal weekend league fixtures, squad depth will dictate who advances. Progression to the last 16 would further fuel Everton's excellent recent momentum, while Wolves view this as an opportunity to build confidence ahead of their fierce local rivalry on Sunday.