Everton are back in action tonight, shifting their attention from the Premier League to an EFL Cup run that holds real promise given the teams left in in.
With Manchester City having been knocked out in the last round, and one of Newcastle United and Manchester United to go this round, all that stands in the Toffees’ way of a semi-final is a home win over Burnley and a favourable draw following.
However, they cannot become complacent despite their recent upturn in form, having recently beaten Aston Villa, Brentford and West Ham United away from home as well as thrashing AFC Bournemouth.
Sean Dyche will be delighted with their progress, but will remain careful in praising them too much.
What tonight does offer is an opportunity to start some of the out-of-favour stars within his dressing room, as a man seldom keen to make mass changes to his side if they are performing well.
As such, both Arnaut Danjuma and Beto have seen chances hugely limited since their summer moves.
With goals earlier in this cup competition, perhaps they could combine once again to terrorise the Clarets.
How good is Arnaut Danjuma?
Having snubbed the Merseyside outfit back in January, opting to warm Tottenham Hotspur’s bench instead, there is little bad blood between club and player given the torrid environment of Goodison Park at the time.
However, few could have predicted that eight months on he would have made the move, and now be struggling to start for Everton.
After all, just two years ago saw the £52k-per-week Dutchman starring for a Villarreal side that remarkably soared to the Champions League semi-finals. That 2021/22 term was an impressive one, and his 16 goals and four assists across all competitions marked a true reflection of his qualities.
Even pundit Kevin Phillips had taken note of the 26-year-old’s talents, branding him a ‘nightmare for defenders’ back in 2022.
To have this kind of immense talent just patiently waiting for his opportunity marks a glowing recommendation of the club’s recruitment, and the same can certainly be said for Beto too.
Last season saw the Portuguese hitman score ten Serie A goals, and now he has been reduced to an understudy role behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Should the two both start tonight, as many expect them to, there will be few better chances to prove they are deserving of more first-team action.
After all, it is a largely pressure-free environment, but an opportunity to strut their stuff against a fellow Premier League side. If on form, Danjuma could truly terrorise Vincent Kompany’s men.
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