TEAM NEWS

Roberto Martinez will give James McCarthy (groin) and Gareth Barry (shin) late fitness checks for the League Cup quarter-final against Middlesbrough.

The Toffees boss also confirmed keeper Joel Robles will start in goal.

Aitor Karanka has a full-strength Boro squad to choose from after their 2-0 win over Huddersfield on Saturday.

Striker Cristhian Stuani could make his first start since he recovered from an injury sustained on international duty.

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY

Middlesbrough boss Karanka, whose side have beaten Manchester City and Manchester United in cup competitions in the last two seasons: "That can be our biggest problem - to think that because we beat Manchester City and Manchester United and played well against Liverpool and Arsenal, the game will be easy.

"The reason we did well against those teams is that we worked hard for 90 minutes or more. Just because we are close to the top of the table and we beat Manchester United in the last round and we're playing at home and will be feeling the atmosphere, to be over-confident would be a big mistake."

Everton manager Roberto Martinez: "In this competition I don't think divisional status gives you a benefit.

"You need to be ready for the game with a clear understanding of how to perform. Clearly the mentality in our camp is to be ready - we can't not be ready after the feeling at the weekend [drew 3-3 at Bournemouth]."

MATCH FACTS

• Middlesbrough have twice made the quarter-final stage of the League Cup since lifting the trophy in 2004, losing to Blackburn in 2005-06 and Swansea City in 2012-13 (both 1-0).
• This is the furthest Everton have got in the League Cup since 2007-08, eventually losing in the semi-final that season to Chelsea.
• Boro have won the last two League Cup ties against Everton, beating them on penalties in round four in December 2003, and 1-0 in round three in October 2005.
• The Toffees are unbeaten in six matches in all competitions v Boro, winning four and drawing two. The last time they met, Everton were 2-1 victors in an FA Cup quarter-final clash.
• Boro's last two League Cup games v Premier League sides have ended in penalty shootouts - beating Manchester United in round four but losing to Liverpool 14-13 last season.
• Everton have fallen behind in all three of their League Cup matches this season, needing extra time in two matches to progress.
• Stuani is the joint-top scorer in the competition this season on four goals.
• The Toffees have conceded in each of their last seven League Cup games away from home.