Everton's starting line-up showed three adjustments from the last of those victories, the 2-0 Barclays Premier League triumph over Chelsea, with Drenthe, Magaye Gueye and TonyHibbert coming in for the ill Landon Donovan - unable to make a final appearance for the Toffees before returning to the Los Angeles Galaxy - the cup-tied Steven Pienaar and Tim Cahill.
Blackpool manager Ian Holloway, who is looking to guide the Tangerines to a second promotion from the npowerChampionship in three seasons and perhaps had an eye on Tuesday's league clash with West Ham, shuffled his pack extensively by making seven changes.
While providing plenty of entertainment with their attacking play last term, the Seasiders had frequently looked vulnerable at the back during their maiden campaign inthe top-flight and it took less than 50 seconds for Everton to breach their defence today.
Fellaini collected Gueye's pass from the left in the box, turned and rolled the ball to Drenthe, who lashed it beyond Blackpool goalkeeper Matt Gilks into the net.
Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail