Sunderland take on a struggling Everton side who have lost their last four games on the bounce.
Lamine Kone could start among the back 4 against Everton
Sunderland halted a run of four straight defeats in the Championship with a draw against Hull on the weekend, which should instill some confidence into the side going into the EFL Cup game against Everton.
It is perhaps the best time for Simon Grayson’s men to visit Goodison Park, with the Toffees low on confidence after losing their fourth game in a row over the weekend against Manchester United.
The Black Cats have struggled so far this season and the EFL Cup represents a welcome distraction from the pressure of the league table. Fourth from bottom after eight games, if Sunderland do manage to get a result in the Cup, especially in such a high-profile clash, it could do wonders for their confidence.
Simon Grayson manager of Sunderland
However, it is easier said than done against an Everton side who have bags of quality despite their poor start to the season.
Grayson will be without centreback Paddy McNair through injury, on-loan left back Brendan Galloway (who can’t play against his parent club), and top scorer Lewis Grabban who missed the weekend game with a hamstring injury.
Bryan Oviedo and Jack Rodwell could start against their former side, and Grayson will most likely keep his back four intact from the weekend. With his side likely to be on the backfoot for most of the game, the former Preston manager could go for three-man midfield (4-3-3), as opposed to a 4-2-3-1.
Here’s the probable starting lineup:
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