Why Blues will fully embrace this swift return to Molineux

HERE is a case to be made for the trip to Wolves this week being Everton's most important game of the season so far. It is not the biggest occasion to date - of course not. The opening match at Hill Dickinson Stadium takes that accolade.

- BY JOE THOMAS Everton FC Correspondent

Everton celebrate their win at Wolves on September 1

There was the weekend's Merseyside derby too, though the mixed emotions it inspires (frustration at the slow start and the result/hope from the fightback and the problems caused in the second half) will quickly be forgotten.

But this trip to Molineux and what it could represent allow me to make, what I think at least, is a compelling argument for its significance.

Everton are better this season. They have improved. There is more quality in the squad, more talent on the bench and greater versatility in the side.

David Moyes' new-look Blues are still a work in progress, however, and it will take time and patience for Everton to build towards the heights they should be aiming for.

Amid the growing pains of progress, one of the major barometers of success has to be how Everton fare in the cups. The Carabao Cup this season, for now at least, represents a major opportunity to do something this club has failed to do for too long. This is not me saying Everton should win the trophy, it is far from being that simple. But for the first time in a long time the club should have the headspace and freedom to try and go deep in a cup. And the quality should be there to give it a good go.

Everton will not be in a relegation battle this season. For the first time in five seasons they should be comfortable throughout the campaign and looking up the Premier League table not down it.

For Moyes and his side, the League Cup should no longer be an inconvenience for a threadbare side fighting more important battles. Compare that to Wolves.

Pointless after a home defeat to Leeds United, they look in disarray.