Albion’s early Carabao Cup exit could yet be a blessing in disguise.

That is the view of former striker Glenn Murray as the Seagulls prepare to face Everton in the Premier League.

Albion have four clear days between playing Fulham on Sunday and travelling to Merseyside on Friday.

Murray told the official Albion podcast: “We bowed out of the Carabao Cup but I actually think that is a little bit of a blessing.

“The Premier League takes its toll on you, not only physically but mentally as well.

“I think the next generation are more susceptible to having rests and being taken out for tactical reasons. It’s an exhausting schedule.

“Not just the playing of the games. The travelling, the media attention they get, even though you might not think it, subconsciously you are taking so much in.”

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi was disappointed to see his side exit at Chelsea in the third round.

But he joked on Sunday: “We can have a holiday for three days!

“I am not used to working one normal week.

“But I am looking forward to it because I love working.”

Everton made just two changes to their XI as they played Burnley in the Carabao Cup last night.

Arnaut Danjuma and Ashley Young came in for Abdoulaye Doucoure and Nathan Patterson.