TEAM NEWSDarron Gibson and Leon Osman could get their first senior match action of the campaign after returning to fitness, according to Everton boss Roberto Martinez.
Bryan Ovideo is a a doubt, while Seamus Coleman who missed the 0-0 at Swansea will be monitored ahead of the trip to the Madejski Stadium.
Mason Holgate is expected to be fit enough to be included in the squad despite picking up a knock in training.
Reading boss Steve Clarke has indicated he will make ‘significant’ changes to his side for the tie.
Peru international winger Paolo Hurtado and former Real Madrid youngster Alex Fernandez could come into the Royals’ starting line-up.
“A lot of people have played a lot of football but you have to remember that we brought in 11 new players over the summer,” said Clarke.
“For the Capital One Cup there will probably be more than one or two changes. There could be a number of changes for that game. But the team we put on the pitch will be more than competitive.”
FORMChampionship outfit Reading currently sit sixth in the table with 12 points, having picked up three victories, three draws and two defeats from their opening eight fixtures.
The Royals set up Tuesday’s Capital One Cup tie against the Blues after a 1-0 away victory over Colchester United in the first round, which was shortly followed with a 2-1 victory over Portsmouth at Fratton Park in the last stage.
Everton, of course, progressed with an extra-time 5-3 win at Barnsley in late August.
The Toffees are undefeated on their travels to date this term, having won 3-0 at Southampton in the Premier League and registered goalless draws at White Hart Lane and the Liberty Stadium.
LAST MEETINGEverton 3-1 Reading, Saturday 2 March, 2013.
The two teams have met just 10 times, with the first fixture coming way back in 1931.
The last time the clubs locked horns was at Goodison Park in March 2013, with the Blues securing an impressive 3-1 victory.
Everton were in front just shy of half-time through Marouane Fellaini’s header and the second goal arrived on 58 minutes as Steven Pienaar cut in on his left foot and found the back of the net from 25 yards.
The win was confirmed just seven minutes later when Pienaar turned provider finding Mirallas and the Belgian slotted the ball inside the near post.
Hal Robson-Kanu grabbed a consolation for Reading in the closing stages.
CLASSIC MEETING
Reading 0-2 Everton, Saturday 23 December, 2006.
Everton’s last victory at the Madejski Stadium was back in December 2006.
The Blues took the lead after 13 minutes when Mikel Arteta picked out Andy Johnson inside the penalty area, who found the net from eight yards.
Just three minutes after the restart and the Toffees doubled their lead. Johnson whipped a low cross into the box and James McFadden shrugged off two challenges before sliding the ball past Marcus Hahnemann.
MAN OF THE MOMENTNick Blackman
Beginning his career at Macclesfield Town, Blackman graduated through the Silkman’s Academy before making his professional debut at the age of 17, scoring his first goal only in his second game for the club.
The striker joined Blackburn Rovers in 2009 before enjoying loans at Blackpool, Oldham and Scottish outfit Motherwell. Born in Bury, Blackman made the switch to Sheffield United in August 2012 before signing for the Royals in January 2013.
Blackman made 43 appearances in all competitions during 2014/15 as he played a big part in the Royals’ league campaign as well as their impressive FA Cup run, where they reached the semi-final.
The left-footed forward has also started the new campaign in impressive style, already overhauling last season’s tally of six goals.