Everton wrap up their preparations for the 2026-27 Premier League season today when they take on Lille at Hill Dickinson Stadium (3pm kick-off) in their final pre-season friendly.
The Blues return to their waterfront home in buoyant mood after an impressive 3-1 win over top-flight English rivals Newcastle United in Edinburgh on Wednesday.
That win was achieved without star centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, and new signings Christian Norgaard and Brennan Johnson. But they could all feature this afternoon, along with World Cup hero Jordan Pickford, who is back at Finch Farm following his exploits for England in North America.
Joe Thomas's selection
Joe Thomas believes now is the time to start something near the side most likely to begin the season at Crystal Palace, but acknowledges that is not possible given how many first-XI players aren't yet up to speed. He notes some tough calls, with Tyrique George in particular potentially missing out despite a good summer.
Thomas also suggests giving Jordan Pickford more time after he returned to training on Thursday and probably starting Jake O'Brien at right-back - not what anyone wanted for this stage of the summer. He stresses that the side is not Everton's best XI, which would probably include Pickford, James Garner, Christian Norgaard and potentially Brennan Johnson, with O'Brien alongside Branthwaite.
All things considered, Thomas picks Harrison Armstrong over Hayden Hackney, saying Armstrong has been good this summer and has more Premier League experience.
His team (4-3-3): Travers, O'Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Armstrong, Rohl, Dewsbury-Hall; Dibling, Barry, Ndiaye.
Chris Beesley's selection
Chris Beesley says it's time for the final pre-season friendly, and with the 2026/27 Premier League campaign just a week away, David Moyes should look to pick as close a line-up as possible to the one that will start against Crystal Palace.
Beesley notes Mark Travers has proven a competent understudy throughout the warm-up matches, but hopes England number one Jordan Pickford is ready to return in goal following his World Cup heroics. Nathan Patterson got a run-out at Murrayfield on Wednesday night, but if Moyes doesn't fancy his fellow Glaswegian, with still no new right-back signed, Beesley would stick Merlin Rohl in that position.
That would allow Jake O'Brien to reprise his natural role in the heart of defence alongside Jarrad Branthwaite after James Tarkowski and Michael Keane got the nod last time out.
The likes of Tyler Dibling and new signings Christian Norgaard and Brennan Johnson will be eager to force their way in, but Beesley would maintain continuity in the front six roles for now to build up rhythm and understanding after the 3-1 win over Newcastle, when the likes of Harrison Armstrong, Tyrique George and Thierno Barry all excelled.
His team (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Rohl, O'Brien, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Armstrong, Hackney; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, George; Barry.
