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The date for Everton’s third round EFL Cup tie at home to Southampton has been confirmed as Tuesday, October 2 (7.45pm BST kick-off).
The fixture was due to be played during the week commencing September 24, but confusion had arisen after neighbours Liverpool were also drawn at home to Chelsea.
Both Everton and Chelsea have Premier League fixtures scheduled for the previous Sunday, September 23, so would expect the usual three-day minimum break between games.
Due to transport and policing issues, though, the two Merseyside clubs cannot play at home on the same day.
To avoid any of these problems arising, the Toffees’ game has been moved back a week, sandwiched between the league fixtures at home to Fulham on September 29 and away to Leicester City on October 6.
The tie represents a quick return to Goodison Park for the Saints, having suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Blues in the Premier League on August 18.
Full ticket information for the game, which will not be televised live on Sky Sports, can be found here.