Which Everton Fringe Players Could Start in the Carabao Cup?

Could these Blues squad members be offered chances to impress against Rotherham United?

Everton entertain Rotherham United in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, and some squad members could be handed a chance to stake a starting place under Marco Silva.

The Portuguese boss has kept his starting lineup settled for the opening three Premier League matches of the campaign, but could rotate his team to rest some key players for the midweek clash.

We’ve taken a look at six players who may be handed a chance to impress Silva against the League One side, and offer him food for thought for the rest of this term.

Lucas Digne

The £18m summer arrival from Barcelona has had to play deputy to Leighton Baines at left-back since he rocked up at Goodison Park, with only a brief cameo against Wolves to show for his time in a Toffees shirt.

With Baines now 33 years old and unable to play three games in a week, however, Digne is almost certain to start against Rotherham and prove he has what it takes to be the number one choice in that role.

Silva has already stated that the duo will battle for that spot in his team and that neither is certain to start over the other, so this is the France international’s chance to impress.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

The striker has had to play second fiddle to Cenk Tosun so far this season and does only seem to be getting his match sharpness back to an optimum level after a troublesome back problem during pre-season.

This game gives Calvert-Lewin the opportunity to show he should be challenging the Turk for a place in Silva’s team, though, especially if he manages to get on the scoresheet.

Tosun’s tireless work up top will have earned him a deserved rest against Rotherham, and Calvert-Lewin needs to have a storming game if he wants to seriously challenge Tosun throughout this season.

Jonjoe Kenny

With Seamus Coleman nailing down the right-back spot since he returned from a broken leg in January, chances have been few and far between for his understudy Kenny.

The Blues’ academy product deuptised well in Coleman’s absence, but hasn’t had a chance to earn first-team minutes this term yet.

That could change against the Millers if Silva decides to rest Coleman ahead of the weekend meeting with Huddersfield, and Kenny should take this opportunity with both hands to show he is ready to step in if Coleman’s form dips.

Ademola Lookman

Much has been written about his transfer saga with RB Leipzig so we won’t go over old ground here. Suffice to say though that, with Richarlison suspended for three matches, Lookman must take this chance if he wants to start regularly for Everton.

His head hasn’t been in the right place all summer long, and the 20-year-old forward can win back a section of the club’s fanbase if he knuckles down and turns in a virtuoso display against Rotherham.

Stink the place out, however, and opportunities down the line could be at a premium for him – providing Everton elect not to cash in on him before Friday’s European transfer deadline.

Kurt Zouma

With Phil Jagielka still suspended, and Yerry Mina and Michael Keane injured, the on-loan Chelsea defender will partner Mason Holgate on Wednesday.

The centre-back must prove his quality alongside the England Under-21 international due to the wealth of options available to Silva when all five centre-halves are fit.

Competition will be fierce for a starting berth all season long, but Zouma can more than stake a claim if he keeps Rotherham’s attack at arm’s length with a good performance in L4.

Bernard

He’s yet to feature significantly due to a lack of fitness, but starting Bernard against Rotherham would be the perfect time to get minutes under his belt.

The Brazilian playmaker looked bright in a substitute appearance against Bournemouth last Saturday, and may take Theo Walcott’s place on the right wing against Paul Warne’s men.

Given Walcott’s form, Bernard needs to impress against the Millers and show he can cut it in English football and give Silva a headache in the wide positions, especially with countryman Richarlison out for three games through suspension.