Image Source: The Guardian
Everton vs Newcastle has been given an unexpected twist after Jack Grealish was left out of Everton’s squad for the Carabao Cup fourth-round tie because of what the club described as a “breach of Club discipline.” The midfielder’s omission is reportedly linked to an unauthorised absence from training, adding a major talking point before the match at Everton.
The fixture, scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2026, carries significant importance for two historic clubs hoping to make progress in the competition. Kick-off is set for 7.45pm GMT, with the winner earning a quarter-final trip to Fleetwood Town during the week commencing December 14.
Everton vs Newcastle rocked by Grealish omission
Everton confirmed that Grealish would not be involved shortly before the teams were announced. The decision follows a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Arsenal last weekend and gives manager David Moyes another selection issue to manage during a crucial cup night.
Everton have made two changes to their starting lineup. Hayden Hackney and Tyler Dibling come into the side, replacing Brennan Johnson and Harrison Armstrong, who both begin on the bench. Jarrad Branthwaite is also unavailable after entering concussion protocols.
The home side will rely on Jordan Pickford in goal, with a defensive unit featuring Rohl, James Tarkowski, O’Brien and Vitaliy Mykolenko. Hackney and James Garner are expected to provide protection in midfield, while Dibling, Dewsbury-Hall, George and Barry form the attacking structure.
Newcastle make one change for crucial cup tie
Newcastle United arrive after a positive 2-0 Premier League victory at Crystal Palace. Eddie Howe’s team have made one change from that match, with Jacob Ramsey taking the place of Joelinton, who drops to the substitutes’ bench.
Newcastle’s starting lineup includes goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka’s replacement, Hornicek, alongside Dedic, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn and Lewis Hall in defence. Gonzalez, Ramsey, Jacob Murphy, Willock and Harvey Barnes support Osula in an attack-minded selection.
Joelinton is joined among the substitutes by Pope, Botman, Bamba, Wissa, Thiaw, Steur, Toure and Elanga. The depth available to Newcastle could prove important if the match becomes physically demanding or moves into a penalty shootout.
Explosive Carabao Cup stakes await both teams
The match is being played under specific knockout rules. There will be no video assistant referee, and if the score is level after 90 minutes plus stoppage time, the tie will go directly to penalties. No extra time will be played.
- The winner advances to a quarter-final against Fleetwood Town.
- The quarter-final is scheduled for the week commencing December 14, 2026.
- There will be no VAR during the Everton and Newcastle tie.
- A drawn match after regulation time will be decided by penalties.
The route to the last eight offers both clubs a realistic opportunity to build momentum. Fleetwood are the only remaining opponent waiting in the next round, meaning Everton or Newcastle will see a potentially favourable path toward the semi-finals if they can navigate this tie successfully.
Newcastle lifted the League Cup in 2025, ending a 56-year wait for major silverware. That triumph changed the club’s relationship with domestic cup competitions and raised expectations around every subsequent knockout campaign. Another deep run would reinforce the progress made under the current project.
Everton’s need is arguably more urgent. The club’s last major trophy came in 1995, and supporters have endured a long period without a memorable cup triumph. Moyes is attempting to revive that ambition, although the pressure surrounding the club’s ownership, performances and long-term direction remains considerable.
What to watch in Everton vs Newcastle
The midfield battle could determine the rhythm of the contest. Everton will hope Hackney and Garner can disrupt Newcastle’s passing and release their wide players quickly. Newcastle, meanwhile, have the creativity of Barnes, Murphy and Ramsey, along with the physical presence to challenge Everton’s defence.
Grealish’s absence removes one of Everton’s most recognisable attacking options and places greater responsibility on Dibling and Dewsbury-Hall. The disciplinary decision may also become a wider storyline if Everton struggle to create opportunities.
For Newcastle, the challenge is to avoid complacency after their strong league win. The visitors have the recent cup pedigree, but Everton’s home advantage and desire to end a trophy drought could make this a tense, closely contested encounter.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Jack Grealish missing from Everton’s squad?
Everton said Grealish was dropped because of a “breach of Club discipline.” Reports indicated that the issue was connected to an unauthorised absence from training.
When is Everton vs Newcastle being played?
The Carabao Cup fourth-round match is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2026, with kick-off at 7.45pm GMT.
Will Everton vs Newcastle have VAR?
No. The match is being played without VAR, according to the competition information provided before kick-off.
What happens if the match finishes level?
If the teams remain level after 90 minutes and stoppage time, the tie will go directly to a penalty shootout without extra time.
Who will the winner face in the quarter-finals?
The winner will travel to Fleetwood Town for a quarter-final scheduled during the week commencing December 14, 2026.
