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Everton are stepping up preparations for Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie at Preston North End, with David Moyes expected to use his squad at Deepdale. The Blues go into the second-round tie on the back of Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace, when goals from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry secured a winning start to the Premier League season. It was an encouraging result rather than a flawless performance. Palace caused problems during the first half and Moyes will know there is still work to do as his new-look side settles into the season. Preston now provide a very different test. Moyes could make changes at Deepdale With another Premier League fixture to come at the weekend, Wednesday offers Moyes the chance to give minutes to players who were either on the bench or had limited involvement against Palace. There is a balance to strike, though. Everton have never won the League Cup and went out in the third round last season. For a club looking to make progress under The Friedkin Group, the domestic cups represent a realistic opportunity to build something beyond the weekly demands of the Premier League. The trip also takes Moyes back to familiar surroundings. He ended his playing career at Preston before taking his first steps in management at Deepdale, eventually leaving for Everton in March 2002 after 234 games in charge. Sentiment will have little bearing once the game starts. Everton have begun the season with a win. The task at Preston is to make sure that promising start continues rather than allowing an awkward cup night to interrupt it.