Everton v Newcastle: probable line-ups for EFL Cup last-16 tie

Everton face Newcastle in the EFL Cup last 16 on Thursday, 29 October, with kick-off scheduled for 19:45 GMT at Hill Dickinson. Both teams are expected to start with a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Everton are likely to use the system to provide protection in central midfield while retaining an attacking threat. Two holding midfielders should help secure the middle of the pitch, with three players operating behind Thierno Barry as the Toffees look to move forward quickly.

Everton’s probable XI:

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

Defenders: Merlin Rohl, J. Tarkowski, Jake O’Brien, V. Mykolenko

Midfielders: B. Johnson, H. Armstrong, K. Dewsbury-Hall, James Garner, Tyrique George

Striker: Thierno Barry

The formation would give Everton a clear central shield while allowing the attacking midfielders to support Barry. The balance between defensive cover and rapid forward movement is expected to be central to their approach against Newcastle.

Newcastle are also expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1. Their double pivot should provide cover when the full-backs push forward, while three attacking midfielders are set to operate between Everton’s defensive and midfield lines.

The Magpies’ anticipated shape includes two wide players capable of carrying the ball forward and a central attacking midfielder tasked with supplying Will Osula. That structure is intended to combine defensive security with quick transitions into attack.

Newcastle’s probable XI:

Goalkeeper: Lukas Hornicek

Defenders: Amar Dedic, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall

Midfielders: Jacob Murphy, Nico Gonzalez, Joe Willock, Joelinton, Harvey Barnes

Striker: Will Osula

The match will decide which side reaches the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup. According to the odds provided by 1xbet, Everton are priced at 2.00 to win, with a draw at 3.30 and a Newcastle victory at 2.95.