Everton look to extend their cup run this Wednesday against Burnley. The match will take place at Goodison Park under the lights. Do we make an extended cup run? Do we want to?
Everton Rewind
Over the weekend Everton claimed all three points against a down-trodden West Ham. This is one of the best all around team performances we’ve seen in awhile. There was not much left to be desired from the lads as we looked sound front to back. We did muster 36 percent possession in the match and even off the ball we were disciplined in formation and did not offer many opportunities to the Hammers. The sole goal came from a bit of class from DCL – the difference he makes when healthy is unmatched. DCL took a fantastic touch, turned into space and sent a low shot in the bottom corner beating a fully stretch Areola. 
Burnley match recap
Burnley traveled to Vitality Stadium to take on the Cherries in hope of escaping the relegation zone for the first time this season. Early on, Burnley looked on top and would actually capitalize on their hot start. Charlie Taylor would be the goal scorer within the first 11 minutes with an absolute rocket of a volley, his first goal for the club in his eight year-tenure.
Bournemouth would only take a little over 10 minutes before equalizing through Semenyo. The game would be back and forth for the majority the game but would be ultimately decided by a Billings goal from 30+ some yards out, Trafford would get a full hand to the ball but could not redirect it enough to prevent a goal. Burnley had a goal ruled offsides – that I believe should have stood – and a great chance late on that would just not find its way into the back of the net. 
Everton key player
With squad rotation incoming, I believe Beto will run a riot on the entire Burnley team. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is likely to see the bench after playing 89 minutes on Sunday, so Beto will almost surely start in the Carabao Cup match. Beto’s only goal for the Toffees came in the Carabao Cup against Doncaster Rovers back in August. A like-for-like swap should see the team stay in rhythm.
The pace and strength of Beto will allow Dyche to continue playing the way he wants to without having to change too much. Burnley have allowed competent strikers with pace to run direct and challenge the backline which usually results in a goal. Burnley allows an average of 2.5 goals per game whilst Everton xGs is one of the highest in the league. 
Burnley key player
Lyle Foster is Burnley’s most dangerous player on their squad. He has three goals and two assists this far into the season. Finding goals in this Burnley side come far and few and he’s been at the front of most of their goals. I expect the play to be funneled into foster from wider areas. Burnley like to play fast and release quick passes in order to keep possession.
Kompany, who likes to send his fullbacks high into the final third may opt for a more slowed down pace against Everton. Kompany at times also moves into a 2-man midfield during the transition which could play into Everton’s favor. We have the midfielders to control the midfield in this particular match, I would not expect to see Kompany move into the 2-man midfield due to Dyche’s counterball attack. 
Final thoughts
I’d love to see us make a deep cup run and build off of that momentum. We do have the stronger side and the better manager. He may not be as flashy and nuanced as Kompany, but as we saw against West Ham, Dyche gets the job done.
I hope to see some cameos from a few player that do not play often such as, Gomes, Godfrey and Dobbin. I believe these players have something to offer and we as fans need to see more of them. We finally have depth on the team and for the most part are fit, let us capitalize on this and push into the next round. UTFT.01
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