Everton vs Newcastle United: Carabao cup fourth-round preview, team news and form

Newcastle United travel to Merseyside on Thursday night to face Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at stake.

Recent history in the competition has been kind to Newcastle, who lifted the trophy in 2024 after beating Liverpool 2-1 in the final, having finished runners-up to Manchester United the previous year. 

Everton, meanwhile, have never won the competition, with their best efforts ending in final defeats in 1977 and 1984.

Both sides have navigated their way through the earlier rounds, although their progress has not always been convincing. Everton edged past Wolverhampton Wanderers in the third round after beating Preston North End 4-0 in August, while Newcastle defeated Millwall 1-0 following a 3-2 victory over West Bromwich Albion.

Everton's missed opportunities:

Everton's season has been defined by missed chances, with the summer transfer window leaving them with Thierno Barry as their only recognised striker. 

The Frenchman has found the net six times in all competitions, but his underlying numbers suggest there is room for improvement, having scored three Premier League goals from an expected goals (xG) figure of approximately 4.7.

Newcastle have experienced similar difficulties in front of goal, with William Osula opening his account for the campaign against Crystal Palace at the weekend, while Matias Fernandez-Pardo remains goalless in a Newcastle shirt since arriving in the summer. Yoane Wissa has also struggled to establish himself as a regular goalscorer, with manager Matthias Jaissle deploying the former Brentford forward in a deeper attacking role during the opening stages of the season.

With both sides struggling for consistent contributions from their forward lines, Thursday's encounter could prove a cagey affair, particularly given Everton's defensive record. 

The Toffees have conceded just nine Premier League goals, among the better returns in the division.

Newcastle, by contrast, have conceded 14, including four-goal defeats against both Coventry and Leeds on Monday night. 

Their defensive numbers, alongside a league-worst expected goals figure, highlight the improvements required if the Magpies are to build on their recent cup success and compete for another strong league finish.

Recent meetings offer Everton encouragement:

Despite Newcastle's Champions League involvement and recent domestic cup success, Everton have enjoyed the better record across the last six meetings between the sides, winning three, drawing two and losing once, including a pre-season friendly in August 2026.

The away side also won both Premier League meetings last season. 

Newcastle secured a 4-1 victory at Everton in November, before the Toffees responded with a 3-2 win at St James' Park in February, offering the hosts further encouragement ahead of Thursday's tie.

Everton vs Newcastle team news:

Everton's injury concerns have grown following Jarrad Branthwaite's collision with Emiliano Martínez, which resulted in the defender being substituted with concussion. 

Having missed the subsequent fixture against Arsenal, his availability will depend on concussion protocols and his recovery.

Vitalii Mykolenko was also withdrawn against Arsenal, although the club have not provided a clear update on the nature of his injury. 

Former Premier League champion Jack Grealish remains a doubt after being unwell.

For Newcastle, Lewis Miley is dealing with a glute injury, while Fernandez-Pardo is recovering from the illness that ruled him out against Crystal Palace. 

Jaissle admitted on Tuesday that he remained uncertain whether either player would feature, adding: “With both of them, we don’t want to take any additional risk and, hopefully, they are getting back soon.”

There is more positive news surrounding Tino Livramento, who has been making encouraging progress in training as he works towards a return to the first-team squad. 

Ewan Jaouen remains unavailable with a thigh injury.

The winners of Thursday's tie will travel to Fleetwood Town in the quarter-finals, after the League One side produced a major upset by eliminating Arsenal on penalties on Tuesday night. 

With a favourable draw awaiting the victor, both Everton and Newcastle have plenty of incentive to secure their place in the last eight.