Everton vs Wolves: The Opposition View as Changes Expected

Revenge is being sought as Everton look to advance into the next round of the Carabao Cup, rather than crashing out of the competition as they did against Wolves last season. 

The Toffees were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Wolves, who defeated Everton 2-0, with David Moyes opting to make multiple changes to his starting XI in order to rest players.

Whether Moyes will make as many changes this time around remains to be seen, but the likes of Jack Grealish and Hayden Hackney will surely be pushing for a start. 

Going on a cup run is something Everton are desperate for, but keeping players fit and fresh will also be on the mind of Moyes. Just a few days after the game against Wolves, the Toffees face Ipswich Town in the Premier League, and the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite might be best served not playing twice in a handful of days. 

To get a little insight into our opponents, I spoke to Dave Azzopardi of the fan channel Talking Wolves. 

Wolves currently find themselves sitting in the playoff positions in the Championship, with a game in hand over the likes of West Brom, Middlesbrough, and West Ham who are above them in the table.

The Midlands club are getting used to new manager Cesar Peixoto, and an unsettled pre-season is one of the reasons behind the start to the season not being perfect, claims Dave.

“It’s been an okay start to the season so far. I think a few injuries and players returning late from the World Cup haven’t particularly helped Wolves with preparation but the overall start has been alright.”

Dave also mentions the fact that Wolves are coming up against some very physical sides in the Championship, especially in comparison to the Premier League, which is going to take some getting used to.

“Of course, we have the new manager in Cesar Peixoto, as well a completely new style and system for the players to be getting used to. A lot of the teams that we are coming up against in the league so far are very physical sides. Maybe not as good technically as Wolves, but set up really well and being managed by some established football league coaches. It’s not been a ‘breeze’ so far and still more gears for Wolves to get into.”

It’s an interesting time for Wolves to face Everton. Although the Midlands club would enjoy a cup run, they face their rivals West Brom in a huge clash this weekend. Not only is it the Black Country Derby, West Brom and Wolves are likely to be fighting for promotion, or at least the playoff places, this season.

Dave believes that Peixoto could rotate heavily heading into the game against Wolves, with many hoping that the focus is on the derby at the weekend.

“ Frustratingly this game comes at an inconvenient time really for Wolves as we host West Bromwich Albion on Sunday in the Black Country derby. I think the focus of all Wolves fans is on that fixture and fans even urging Peixoto to rest the majority of the squad ahead of Sunday. Therefore, we could see a rotated lineup for Wolves on Wednesday at Everton.”

Dave admits that, of course, he would like to see a cup run, but the priority for Wolves is getting out of the Championship. That mixed with getting one over their rivals, the priority is likely to be the game against West Brom.

“Look, we all like a cup run but ultimately the priority for Wolves season is to get out of the Championship. Of course, with that you want to try and get bragging rights over your fierce rivals as well so definitely for us as a fan base the full focus is on Sunday’s fixture rather than Wednesday night.”

Dave does believe that with Wolves likely to rotate, Everton should have a strong enough team to advance into the next round.

The Toffees could rotate themselves, but there are unlikely to be wholesale changes due to Moyes having a small squad to work with.

“Because Wolves are likely to rotate I think that Everton should have a strong enough team to deal with the Wolves squad but the one area I am intrigued by is Everton‘s depth. I assume you won’t rotate too heavily. I know your main striker Thierno Barry is really the only number nine you’ve got, so hopefully if we can keep him quiet it may restrict David Moyes and his options to bring off the bench But I’m fully aware of the start that Everton have had and they grind out results so it’s gonna be a really tricky encounter, regardless.”

One player who might not have caught the eye in the Premier League is Fer Lopez, and he was shipped out on loan to La Liga outfit Celta Vigo.

Dave suggests Lopez is someone who Wolves fans are excited about at the moment, seemingly returning to the club a different player. 

“A lot of it will depend on who starts for Wolves. Fee Lopez is the one player that fans are really excited about at the moment. We had him last season but he never really hit the quality and hit the heights that fans would’ve wanted before him going back out on loan to Celta Vigo. However, he’s had a really strong start and if he plays any part in this game, he’s definitely a player to look out for.”

One player who could be given a rare opportunity is young striker Sean Neave. The youngster signed on loan from Newcastle United in the summer transfer window, and Dave is expecting him to start up front for Wolves. 

“I’m intrigued by Sean Neave, a young lad that we’ve signed recently on loan from Newcastle. I’d say he is likely to start upfront for Wolves. He’s supposedly got a lot of quality but a lot of fans, and I think a lot of neutral football fans, won’t be aware of him so if he does start I’m going be keeping a close eye on him.”

Finally, as I do every week, I asked Dave who he would take from Everton if he could have them in the Wolves side. Dave selected someone we’ve not heard so far this season.

“Interesting question.  I think we’re a little bit light in the wide areas to be honest. Tyrique George is somebody that’s always excited me a little bit. I think Maitland Niles is quite an underrated one because of his versatility as well but a wide player would be my preference so someone like Tyrique George. However, as we know, a fully fit Jack Grealish is always a thorn in any opposition side so anybody like that would be useful!”

A huge thanks to Dave for taking the time out of his day to chat to us. Go check him out on his X page or his TalkingWolves site.