Everton v Huddersfield
Football : English Carling Cup Round 2
Wednesday 25 August 2010 - Kickoff 8pm

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Everton

David Moyes has done an excellent job at Goodison Park over the years on a tight budget, and the only thing missing on his CV as far as I am concerned is a trophy that his sides have deserved. This competition is ignored by many of the 'big' clubs with European commitments and it allows Everton a chance to really have a go at winning this one.

The season was expected to be glowing for Everton this season with many tipping them as a dark horse in the Champions League race, but they have only had 2 disappointing results so far as they once more have a slow start to the campaign. After losing at Blackburn Rovers, the Toffees would have been disappointed to draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers at home after leading the game. Everton reached Round 4 last season before falling to Tottenham Hotspur.

It is expected that David Moyes will be resting players and the likes of Jack Rodwell will be expecting to start. I would also consider Jermaine Beckford as a starter here after the former Leeds man made his full debut on Saturday.

Huddersfield

Lee Clark has been magnificant in charge of Huddersfield and it was no surprise to see his side being placed as 2nd favourites to win League One in the ante-post betting. Huddersfield have not had the easiest starts to the season under this pressure although they did beat Carlisle 0-1 in the 1st round of this competition.

The Terriers build much of their form on their success at the Galpharm Stadium and no side in the top ten of League One lost more away games last season. They are 1-1-1 this season so far, winning easily at Notts. County but then losing 4-2 at Peterborough last time out. Huddersfield showed great grit and determination when losing 4-3 to Newcastle United in this round last season.

Gary Naysmith has returned from suspension and will be in line to start against his former club. Graham Carey is the man most likely to miss out if that happens while both Nathan and Tom Clarke remain out.

Prediction

Everton have not been knocked out of this competition by a side from the Lower Leagues in the last 8 years and will be hoping to continue that here. We will expect some changes to be made but it does give a good chance to the likes of Beckford and Rodwell to get further game time. The Carling Cup represents a good opportunity for Everton to win some silverware, especially if they can continue with home ties.

Huddersfield have promotion as a priority this season, but have shown that they can at least dig in and try against the teams in the divisions above them. Lee Clark will not allow his side to be rolled over and tickled and will provide Everton with a test here.

The Carling Cup continues to be a minefield with sides chopping and changing at this early stage of the competition. For that reason, I think I will again leave the match odds alone and instead pick Jermaine Beckford to open up his account for Everton. He was prolific when playing against opposition at this level in his time at Leeds United and scored 25 goals for Leeds last season.

I'll have a go at Beckford as the First Goalscorer in this game.

The Pick :

Everton 3-1 Huddersfield

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Jermaine Beckford First Goalscorer @ 4.5 (Paddy Power)