How Everton have perfect antidote to Wolves' biggest threat in James Garner
Everton can count on James Garner to keep Wolves playmaker Fer Lopez at bay on Wednesday.
Cesar Peixoto's team will travel to Hill Dickinson Stadium on 16 September in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
The former Celta Vigo prospect has arguably been the West Midlands club's best player this season, scoring four goals and providing two assists in eight appearances.
Lopez will be hoping to make his mark at Hill Dickinson Stadium, but Garner could be the perfect antidote to the threat he possesses.
The England international has continued his fine form for the Blues and was instrumental in their 0-0 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
David Moyes has a quality midfielder at his disposal capable of shutting down the threat Lopez may bring to Merseyside.
Fer Lopez form assessed ahead of Everton game
Lopez has been sensational for Wolves at the start of the season, recording an average Sofascore rating of 7.8 after six Championship games.
The attacking-midfielder has overperformed his xG of 2.11, scoring three goals in the league this season.
With the 22-year-old averaging one shot on target per game, the Toffees will need to find a way to keep him quiet.
Lopez has provided two assists in the Championship, created two big chances and recorded 1.8 key passes per game.
The Spanish youngster has completed 1.5 dribbles per game with a 69 per cent success rate and isn't afraid to get stuck in, winning 6.3 ground duels on average.
Why James Garner is perfect to stop Lopez vs Wolves
Garner's exceptional performance against Tottenham highlighted his strengths at Everton.
The English midfielder tracked his runners, won important duels and recovered the ball on multiple occasions in North London.
Speaking after Lopez scored a brace against Portsmouth, Peixoto said: "Amazing performance, but he needs the team to work with him to put the balls between the lines for him, for him to attack the space."
Garner has averaged 0.5 interceptions, 2.8 tackles and five ball recoveries per game in the Premier League this season, as per Sofascore.
Having also won four duels per game, the 25-year-old midfielder can be Moyes' tactical masterpiece to keep Lopez under control.