Everton v West Brom

TEAM NEWS

Fit-again striker Louis Saha could return to the Everton side for Wednesday’s cup tie.

The player made his unhappiness clear after being overlooked by boss David Moyes for Saturday’s Premier League win against Wigan.

West Brom midfielder Zoltan Gera is expected to miss out after suffering a recurrence of his ankle injury.

Chris Brunt is unlikely to be involved as he has been nursing a knee strain he recently picked up in training.

MATCH PREVIEW

Despite financial problems and the loss of creative spark Mikel Arteta to Arsenal, Everton are enjoying a decent run of form and were impressive while coming from behind to beat Wigan 3-1 on Saturday.

The sense of doom and gloom around Goodison Park was palpable after a dismal 1-0 defeat at home to QPR in Everton’s opening match of the campaign, but that is the only game this season in which they have failed to score.

They will want to continue that momentum – and atone for last year’s third-round exit at the hands of League One Brentford – against a West Brom side that have endured a miserable start to their season.

Albion knocked Manchester City out at this stage last term and a similar win may lift their spirits in the wake of Saturday’s 3-0 defeat against Swansea, which left the Baggies bottom of the Premier League.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Everton have won 61 and West Brom 57 of the 152 previous matches between these clubs.
• They have met only once in the League Cup, in 1980, when West Brom won a third-round match 2-1.

Everton

• A win would see Everton reach the fourth round for the seventh time in 10 years.
• Including last season, they have won five of their last seven home matches.

West Brom

• This is West Brom’s eighth away game in 10 Carling Cup ties.
• Including last season, they have lost only three of their last 10 away games in all competitions.