Barnsley boss wary of Everton’s “total football”

After a tough campaign last time out – in which the strain of Europa League left Everton bowing out of both the FA Cup and the League Cup competition in just the third round – the squad seems to have come together and ultimately the Toffees are feeling much better about their chances.

Some silverware would be a huge boost for Everton in what will be Martinez’s third year in charge, so expect them to play a relatively strong side this week and go all out for victory.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has confirmed that Bryan Oviedo will start Wednesday’s League Cup tie against Barnsley.

“I’m sure the lads will relish every opportunity to play against them”.

“Bryan has been very, very unfortunate over the previous year or so”, he said.

His side have made a solid start to the league campaign, taking seven points from 12, and saw off Scunthorpe United on penalties to reach the second round.

But Johnson acknowledge’s his new-look outfit still need time to gel this season and, if they do, he sees no reason why they can’t push for promotion. We know it’s a side that is a work-in-progress and we have to look to achieve and the dream is promotion. It was a let-down for us all – as individuals and collectively, we didn’t perform well enough. Coleman has promised to “give the fans something they deserve”.

“We have to work hard to achieve that dream”.

“Wednesday night is a great opportunity for the players to enhance their reputations”.

“We have to use the energy of the crowd to put their good players under pressure”, he added.

“It will be completely contrasting styles”.

“But we are at home and there has been many a shock in cup football and we hope that tomorrow night we can pull one off”.

“Sometimes it’s a physical concentration and sometimes it’s a mental concentration”.

“We’re competing in every game”.