TEAM NEWS

Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles will replace first choice Tim Howard for Wednesday's League Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester City.

Captain Phil Jagielka (knee) and midfielder Steven Pienaar (hamstring) are unlikely to be risked.

Sergio Aguero is set to start for Manchester City but fellow striker Wilfried Bony is injured.

Aguero has struggled with injuries this season but boss Manuel Pellegrini said he will not be rested.

MATCH PREVIEW

Everton have won just three of their 11 home league games so far this season, and the atmosphere during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Tottenham was largely one of frustration.

Only two of their past eight matches have ended in victory - both of which were away - but manager Roberto Martinez believes the fans are still with his team.

"We know that we showed great signs this season but we need to be patient," he said. "The performances have been very consistent and probably that's where the frustration comes.

"We all need to learn as a football club that we've got a special group of players and we have to help them.

"I feel that playing at home, Goodison at its very intimidating best, we can face anyone and we're looking forward to replicating the level of our performance against Spurs."

The Toffees have conceded 20 league goals at home so far this season, and just nine away.

City, in contrast, have struggled on the road - Sunday's win at Watford was their first away victory since 12 September.

Boss Manuel Pellegrini, who guided his side to League Cup success two years ago, said: "I think that for the team, the club, for everyone, it is always important to win a title.

"It is very beautiful when you finish at Wembley, full of people, so it is very important for us to win.

"Maybe it's impossible to win all of the competitions but your attitude and desire and having a winning mentality indicates you must believe you can."

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Man City have won four of the past five meetings between the clubs, drawing the other

Everton

• Romelu Lukaku has been directly involved in 10 goals in his past six Premier League games at Goodison Park (seven goals, three assists)
• Everton have won just three of their past 13 Premier League games
• The Toffees reached the League Cup final in 1977 and 1984 but have never won the competition

Manchester City

• Yaya Toure has scored three times in his past four Premier League games, having scored one in 13 prior to that
• Man City secured their first Premier League away victory in seven attempts on Sunday
• They won the League Cup in 1970, 1976 and 201435237484