"Why don't we stick James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on the bench and give Hayden Hackney a start?"

That's the question Everton fan Mark Staniford posed on BBC Radio Merseyside as Everton prepare to host Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup last 16, having not reached the competition's quarter-final stage since 2023-24.

"The biggest frustration for a lot of people is that we have Hayden Hackney - the Championship player of the season - just sat there," Staniford highlighted on BBC Radio Merseyside. "I can't help but think there is a place for him in our line-up.

"James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who are two of our better players, just haven't been on it the past month - so why don't we stick them on the bench and give him a start?

"Those two lads should be being told to win their places back, but it seems David Moyes has his favourites and his favourites will play whatever.

"However, if things aren't working then you've got to change it up and do something different, either with the formation or the personnel."

Staniford added: "I'm starting to think we should maybe give Tyler Dibling a bit of a run out at right midfield as well after getting the last 20 minutes against Arsenal on Sunday.

"Maybe we should also use Brennan Johnson as the striking back-up, because he just doesn't look like a winger out there. He doesn't get involved and he hasn't got the passion to receive the ball or beat his man. I think we've been sold a bit of a pup there, to be honest.

"It will be interesting to see what the starting XI looks like on Thursday night. I will be looking out to see if he does start Dibling, if Tyrique George gets a run out if Jack Grealish isn't fit, and if he does at least try to mix things up a bit."