Alex Iwobi moves closer to first laurel with Everton battles Man U

Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi is itching closer to his first laurel with Everton as the Toffees take on Man United tonight in the Carabao Cup.

The former Arsenal ace joined Everton in August last year on a five year contract for an initial £28 million, rising to £34 million with potential add-on. Iwobi who clinched FA Cup, Community Shield and finished as runners up in the Europa while with the Gunners, will be hoping win something with  Carlo Ancelotti led Blues who lost on penalties after a 2-2 draw with Leicester City at this stage last season.

Everton will be without James Rodriguez while Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Scott McTominay absent for Man Utd.

Iwobi who was in action for 83 minutes Everton’s 2-1 defeat of Arsenal in the last premier league tie going into the Carabao Cup, is likely to get a starting shirt as Everton will equally be without Fabian Delph and Allan (both hamstring) while Lucas Digne (ankle) is a long-term absentee.

United midfielder Jesse Lingard, who has not played since the Carabao Cup tie against Brighton, at the end of September, is set to return to the squad for the trip to Goodison Park, while forward Mason Greenwood may get a start.

“Jesse will be in the squad. He’s been working hard in training. He’s been unfortunate with having to isolate a few times, been in contact, or close contact with Covid, not even having it himself,” said Solskjaer.

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Solskjaer has also revealed that Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Scott McTominay will miss the trip to Goodison Park, and the Norwegian is likely to make changes for the game as he seeks to manage the squad’s workload.

The last League Cup meeting between Everton and Manchester United was back in November 1993 in the fourth round, with the Red Devils winning 2-0 at Goodison Park with goals from Ryan Giggs and Mark Hughes.