Everton play host to Newcastle United

The sixth and final all-Premier League tie in the EFL Cup fourth round takes place at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Thursday night, as Everton play host to Newcastle United.

This contest is the first of a quickfire double-header between the two sides, who will butt heads again in the Premier League four days later at St James’ Park.

After kick-starting the new season with an eight-match unbeaten run across all competitions, Everton have since suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats against Chelsea and Arsenal, losing both games by a 2-0 scoreline.

Only the three teams inside the Premier League relegation zone have scored fewer goals than Everton (eight) so far this season, with the Toffees now seeking to avoid going three matches without scoring for the first time since mid to late-December.

With Everton not expected to be dragged into a relegation dogfight this season, Moyes will hope that his Toffees side can make a deep run in the domestic cup competitions – their last trophy triumph dates back to the 1994-95 season when they lifted the FA Cup.

Everton have navigated their way past Championship duo Preston (4-0 away) and Wolves (1-0 at home) to reach the EFL Cup fourth round this term, and they are now bidding to advance to the quarter-finals for just the second time in the last six years.

A closely-contested battle could be in store on Merseyside, but Everton’s goal-shy form could benefit a clinical Newcastle side who have found the net in 10 of their 11 fixtures across all competitions this season.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

Fiorentina and Atalanta keen to end their winless streak

Thwarted by late goals last week, Fiorentina and Atalanta BC will both be keen to end their winless streak when they meet at Stadio Franchi on Thursday.

Despite investing heavily over the summer and acquiring a new coach, Fiorentina have actually made a worse start to the season than 12 months ago, when they first entered a prolonged period of crisis.

After sacking Fabio Grosso and re-hiring former interim Paolo Vanoli – who ultimately kept them afloat last term – not much has improved, and they have now lost six of their first eight league games.

Stuck inside the drop zone ahead of Thursday’s clash at Stadio Franchi, Fiorentina are also winless in seven Serie A home games dating back to the end of last term – yet history is still on their side.

This game also comes amid a dismal run of form for the Bergamo club, who have slipped into the bottom half of Serie A by claiming just four points from their last six league matches.

Now, having lost four straight games on the road – admittedly against Roma, Juventus, Ajax and Milan – Atalanta must face Fiorentina with both clubs desperate for points.

While both teams have recently struggled amid a tricky run of fixtures, Atalanta’s form may actually be more concerning – and their injury-hit defence is getting leakier by the game.

Sarri’s side is also woeful on the road, so Fiorentina can follow their near-miss against Inter with a big midweek win.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

Free-scoring Frosinone vs Lecce welcome Lecce

After netting four goals in consecutive games, free-scoring Frosinone will try to extend their strong start to the Serie A season when they welcome Lecce to Stadio Stirpe.
Sitting five points above their visitors, the Canarini have surpassed all expectations since gaining promotion and they were involved in an eight-goal thriller last time out.

Frosinone’s comeback campaign has begun in spectacular style and the southern club sat sixth in the table coming into Serie A’s first midweek round.

Massimiliano Alvini’s men have only lost to Juventus and Napoli so far, making a big impact with their high-energy, front-foot approach.

Not only have Frosinone already put 14 points on the board, but a tally of 17 goals is highly impressive: with two more in today’s match, they would set a new record for any promoted side in the 21st century.

Now, having only dropped two points on home turf, they will seek four consecutive Serie A home wins for the first time in their history.

This will be only the third top-flight meeting between Frosinone and Lecce, following two during the 2023-24 season, when the Salentini won at home and drew 1-1 at Stadio Stirpe.

Looking a little further back, Lecce are unbeaten in six against the Canarini, across Serie A, Serie B and Serie C.

So, the hosts can get their noses in front, before claiming maximum points and extending an incredible start to the season.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr take on Al Kholood

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr will look to extend their winning run when they host Al Kholood at Al Awwal Park in matchweek 12 of the Saudi Pro League.

Al-Nassr have made a strong start to the league campaign, winning eight of their opening 10 matches to collect 25 points, leaving them second in the standings, two points behind leaders Al Hilal and level with third-placed Al Qadsiah.

The Knight of Najd have found their rhythm in recent weeks, winning their last four matches across all competitions.

In the league, Ange Postecoglou‘s side have also gone unbeaten in their last five matches since suffering their only defeat of the campaign against Al Ittihad, recording four wins and one draw, a 1-1 stalemate with Al Khaleej.

The hosts will be confident of extending that run given their current form and record in this fixture, having won three and drawn one of their four previous meetings with Al Kholood.

The visitors also head to Riyadh without an away victory in five attempts this season, having drawn three and lost two of their league matches on the road, adding to the challenge facing them against an in-form Al Nassr side.

Al-Nassr will be without Sultan Al Ghannam, who is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, while Mohamed Simakan and Kingsley Coman are doubts.

Bento is expected to start in goal, with Abdulelah Al Amri and Inigo Martinez among the candidates to feature in central defence.

Al Nassr have home advantage, greater attacking depth and the confidence of four consecutive wins, while Al Kholood’s defensive record makes it difficult to see them containing the hosts for the full 90 minutes, so another home victory looks likely.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk