Everton v Wolverhampton Wanderers: Carabao Cup third-round preview

Everton will host Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in a third-round Carabao Cup tie on September 16. Everton arrive unbeaten since the start of the new season and aim to extend that run.

David Moyes's side beat Preston North End 4-0 in their previous EFL Cup outing and have recorded consecutive draws across their last three matches, most recently a goalless draw with Tottenham Hotspur in which their defence was highlighted. After a difficult previous campaign, Wolverhampton Wanderers were demoted to the English second division and have taken three wins from their opening six league fixtures. Wolves defeated Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 in their last Carabao Cup match and are unbeaten in their two most recent meetings with Everton.

James Garner was one of Everton's top performers in the goalless draw with Tottenham, making the most defensive contributions (17) and controlling midfield areas. The 25-year-old English midfielder is expected to play a key role for Everton in the cup tie. Christian Norgaard will not be available for Everton due to a muscle injury.

Raul Jimenez, the 35-year-old Mexican striker, came off the bench to score the match-winner for Wolves in their recent EFL Championship game against Sheffield United and is due to start against Everton. Wolves will be without Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Rafiki Said and Yerson Mosquera because of injury. César Peixoto's side have registered three wins in their first six league fixtures of the campaign.

Everton's projected XI is Pickford (GK); O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mukolenko; Garner; Grealish, Armstrong, Hackney, George; Barry. Wolverhampton Wanderers' projected lineup is Jose Sa (GK); Trippier, Djiga, Krejci, Bueno; Andre, Munetsi; Gomes, Lopez, Armstrong; Jimenez. Neither team can afford a defeat in this knockout tie, with Everton hosting the match.

Khel Now's prediction is Everton 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers. In the UK the game will be shown on Sky Sports, Sky Sports+ and ITV, and FanCode will stream matches via its app and website. The third-round Carabao Cup tie is scheduled for September 16 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.