Everton is poised to confront Wolverhampton Wanderers in a highly anticipated Carabao Cup third-round encounter. This fixture offers Everton a prime opportunity to settle scores after being knocked out by Wolves at the identical stage in the previous season's tournament. Currently, Everton boasts an impressive five-match unbeaten run across all competitions, showcasing strong form. Meanwhile, Wolves, under the guidance of Cesar Peixoto, have found their stride with two consecutive wins, elevating them to seventh place in the Championship standings. The upcoming match promises an intriguing battle as both teams vie for progression in the prestigious cup competition.
Carabao Cup Clash: Everton vs. Wolves – Key Details and Team Insights
The stage is set for a compelling Carabao Cup third-round match between Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The action will unfold at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 19:45 BST. Esteemed referee Thomas Bramall will officiate the contest. The last encounter between these two sides concluded in a 1-1 draw during a Premier League fixture on January 7, 2026.
For Everton, manager David Moyes faces a few squad considerations. Midfielder Christian Norgaard remains sidelined and is not expected to return until after the upcoming international break. Merlin Rohl's availability is also uncertain, as he is undergoing assessment after missing the recent draw against Tottenham. However, fans can anticipate seeing Jack Grealish make his first start since his summer transfer, as Moyes is expected to implement squad rotation given the quick turnaround between matches.
On the Wolves' side, manager Cesar Peixoto will be without Nasser Djiga, who was forced off in their recent match against Sheffield United. Kieran Trippier, recently returned from injury, might be rested to avoid further complications. There's potential for goalkeeper Joao Virginia to make his debut against his former club, while new acquisitions Ghislain Konan and Sean Neave are strong contenders for their initial starts following their deadline-day arrivals.
Analyzing recent form, Everton has maintained an unbeaten record this season, although a run of three consecutive draws, including a goalless stalemate with Tottenham, followed their opening-day victory over Crystal Palace. Moyes's squad has demonstrated defensive resilience, securing three clean sheets in five matches across all competitions. This cup tie offers valuable minutes for fringe players to impress and stake their claim for regular starting spots.
Wolves arrive with renewed confidence, having secured back-to-back victories that have propelled them to seventh in the Championship. Raul Jimenez's late winning goal against Sheffield United on Sunday capped a series of four consecutive away fixtures. While Peixoto acknowledged that the clean sheet was long overdue, defensive solidity remains an area of focus for improvement, despite the Portuguese manager's promising start at the club.
Predicted lineups for the clash feature Everton primarily in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Pickford in goal; O'Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, and Mykolenko in defense; Garner anchoring the midfield; Dibling, Hackney, Alcaraz, and Grealish supporting; and Barry leading the attack. Wolverhampton Wanderers are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Virginia between the posts; Tchatchoua, Olagunju, T Gomes, and Konan in the defensive line; Bo Traore and Doyle in holding midfield roles; Neave, James, and R Gomes in the attacking midfield; and Jimenez as the lone striker. Football enthusiasts in the United Kingdom can catch all the live action on Sky Sports+.
This Carabao Cup fixture not only holds the promise of thrilling football action but also serves as a crucial test of depth and strategy for both clubs. For Everton, it is a chance to prove their progress and determination by overcoming a familiar foe and advancing in a competition that offers a direct route to European football. For Wolves, it is an opportunity to continue their positive momentum under a new manager and demonstrate their capabilities against Premier League opposition, reinforcing their aspirations for a successful season. The tactical battle between Moyes and Peixoto, coupled with the individual brilliance of key players, will undoubtedly make this a captivating encounter for fans and analysts alike.
