James Garner makes first start, 11 changes – Confirmed Everton XI vs Bournemouth in Carabao Cup clash
Everton have made 11 changes to their starting lineup as Frank Lampard rotates his team for the Carabao Cup clash against Bournemouth.
James Garner and Ruben Vinagre make their first starts of the season, while the boss switches to a five-at-the-back system for the Toffees as they look to progress to the next round.
Nathan Patterson returns to the team following injury in place of Seamus Coleman, while Mason Holgate starts in a three-man defence too alongside the fit-again Yerry Mina.
Neal Maupay and Anthony Gordon start up front, with Abdoulaye Doucoure and Tom Davies sitting in midfield.
Michael Keane also returns to the side for just his second start of the season, despite reports he could be set to leave the club in January.
Confidence
The team is in need of scoring goals and putting a great performance together, and a great cup run is exactly what the fans need after the last 18 months.
After defeat at the weekend in arguably the worst performance at Goodison Park in Lampard’s tenure, these back-to-back trips to the coast in the Carabao Cup and then Premier League will serve as a good chance to get back on track before the World Cup break.
James Garner’s inclusion is a huge positive as he finally gets a chance to stake a claim for a regular starting place, while Neal Maupay will look to shake off the cobwebs in light of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s most recent injury.
Other key players are given a rest too which is a positive, while Lampard gets a chance to have a look at players who haven’t been given a fair crack this season.
If they’re able to give him a selection headache heading into the weekend fixture, then Everton should be rolling into the next round of the cup.