Everton to field patched-up XI vs Newcastle as Moyes deals with Branthwaite and Mykolenko concerns

Everton are expected to be without Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitalii Mykolenko for the Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle United, with James Garner likely to fill in at left-back and Hayden Hackney coming into midfield. David Moyes is keeping his team news under wraps, but the injuries leave him with familiar problems.

  • Competition: Carabao Cup
  • Predicted Everton XI: Pickford; Rohl, O'Brien, Tarkowski, Garner; Armstrong, Hackney, Johnson, Dewsbury-Hall, George; Barry
  • Key absences: Jarrad Branthwaite (concussion), Vitalii Mykolenko (knock)
  • Possible return: Jack Grealish (illness) could be available but may not start
  • Newcastle form: Eighth in the league, inconsistent recently

Predicted line-ups

Everton (4-2-3-1)

Starting XI: Pickford; Rohl, O'Brien, Tarkowski, Garner; Armstrong, Hackney; Johnson, Dewsbury-Hall, George; Barry

Substitutes: Not confirmed by source.

Newcastle United

Starting XI: Not confirmed by source.

Substitutes: Not confirmed by source.

Selection notes

Jarrad Branthwaite is unlikely to feature after suffering a concussion against Chelsea following a collision with Emi Martinez. Concussion protocols usually rule him out. Vitalii Mykolenko came off injured at the weekend and is a doubt, leaving Everton short of natural cover on the left. James Garner could slot in at left-back as a practical solution. That would open the door for Hayden Hackney to start in midfield. Jack Grealish missed the Arsenal game through illness and could be available, but Moyes may be cautious about starting him. Brennan Johnson remains a regular under Moyes, and while there will be calls for Tyler Dibling to get the nod, Johnson starting would surprise nobody.

Injury and availability

  • Jarrad Branthwaite: Concussion suffered against Chelsea after collision with Emi Martinez. Unlikely to return.
  • Jack Grealish: Illness kept him out against Arsenal. Could be available but may not start.
  • Vitalii Mykolenko: Came off injured at the weekend. Even a minor problem could keep him out.

Why Moyes will trust Garner at left-back over forcing Mykolenko

David Moyes has built his reputation on defensive solidity and reliability rather than experimentation. With Vitalii Mykolenko struggling physically and Jarrad Branthwaite unlikely to be risked after concussion, the Everton manager is expected to turn to James Garner at left-back. It is not a glamorous solution, but it is functional and maintains the back four's shape.

That shift allows Hayden Hackney to come into midfield alongside Armstrong. Brennan Johnson keeps his place on the right, with Dewsbury-Hall and George supporting Barry through the middle. Everton will be patched up rather than fully loaded, but Moyes will expect them to be organised and hard to beat.

Newcastle arrive with a decent league position – eighth is hardly a crisis – but their form has been uneven. A 2-0 win over Crystal Palace helped settle things, yet it followed defeats to Aston Villa and Coventry City. That tells you what this side currently is: capable, awkward, and inconsistent. Everton will know there is an opportunity here.

Talking points

  • Should Moyes risk Grealish from the start if he is fit, or keep him on the bench as an impact substitute?
  • Is Garner at left-back a waste of his midfield qualities, or the best available solution given Mykolenko's injury?
  • Does Hackney deserve a start ahead of more experienced options, or is this just a necessity?
  • Will Newcastle's inconsistent form give Everton confidence, or will the Magpies raise their game for the cup?

What happens next

Everton face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup, with another meeting against the same opponents arriving soon in the Premier League. The result will shape momentum for both sides. Moyes is expected to take the cup seriously, even with the league fixture on the horizon, so the selection will reveal his priorities.

Frequently asked questions

Is Jarrad Branthwaite playing for Everton vs Newcastle?

Branthwaite is unlikely to feature after suffering a concussion against Chelsea following a collision with Emi Martinez. Concussion protocols usually rule him out.

Who will replace Vitalii Mykolenko at left-back for Everton?

James Garner could slot in at left-back if Mykolenko is absent, as a practical solution.

Is Jack Grealish available for Everton vs Newcastle?

Grealish missed the Arsenal game through illness and could be available, but Moyes may be cautious about starting him.

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