Still searching for a pre-season victory, Everton's preparations for the new Premier League season continue on Saturday, when they meet Preston North End at Deepdale.
Having come through three friendlies without a win, the Toffees take on their Championship counterparts, who have just won three games on the spin.
Match preview
![Everton manager Sean Dyche celebrates after the match on May 28, 2023 [IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/26/sean-dyche.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Everton manager Sean Dyche celebrates after the match on May 28, 2023 [IMAGO]")
© Imago
After overcoming serious relegation fears for a third straight season, Everton finished 15th in the Premier League last term, to safely retain their place in the top flight of English football.
Sean Dyche led his side well clear of the drop zone despite being hampered by an eight-point deduction, and while they struggled to score goals on a regular basis, their defensive record was only bettered by the final top three.
Although the Merseyside club's latest takeover collapsed earlier this summer, they have still managed to make some new signings, bringing in Iliman Ndiaye, Tim Iroegbunam, Jake O'Brien and Napoli winger Jesper Lindstrom; Aston Villa-bound Amadou Onana has been the one major departure so far.
Everton opened their preparations for the season ahead with a 3-3 draw against Sligo Rovers in mid-July, before suffering a 2-1 defeat to fourth-tier side Salford City.
That underwhelming run continued earlier this week, when the Toffees were beaten 3-0 by Coventry City in the West Midlands, surely causing Dyche some concern.
The ex-Burnley boss will aim to put things right against Preston and then Roma, who are Everton's final pre-season opponents before his team begin their 2024-25 Premier League campaign at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on August 17.
© Reuters
After another near miss under the management of Ryan Lowe, Preston are tuning up for what they hope will be a playoff push this season, with their first competitive game now just one week away.
The Lilywhites have twice blown the chance to earn a place in the Championship's promotion playoffs, and last term they ultimately trailed in 10 points adrift of the all-important top six by losing each of their last five games without scoring a goal.
In their first summer friendly, PNE lost 2-1 to Southport, but since that setback they have embarked on a confidence-building three-match winning streak.
Having seen off non-league club Bamber Bridge, Lowe's men followed an impressive victory over Europa Conference League finalists Fiorentina with success against Salford City, just three days after the League Two team had tamed Everton.
Robbie Brady and Milutin Osmajic were on target in the latter game, with the Irish winger firing home a superb strike from outside the box before his Montenegrin colleague doubled Preston's lead late on.
Now, their final friendly precedes a Championship opener with relegated Sheffield United next Friday, so Lowe will be keen to keep his team's unbeaten run going.
Team News
![Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin celebrates scoring their first goal on April 2, 2024 [IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/25/dominic-calvert-lewin.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin celebrates scoring their first goal on April 2, 2024 [IMAGO]")
© Imago
Still waiting to introduce new acquisitions Jesper Lindstrom and Jake O'Brien, Everton boss Sean Dyche may name a similar XI to that which started against Coventry last time out.
Beto and Dominic Calvert-Lewin again battle it out for selection up front, while Jarrad Branthwaite could start in central defence, having stayed at Goodison Park despite widespread speculation surrounding his future.
Jordan Pickford is still unavailable due to his time away with England at this summer's European Championship, so Joao Virginia should continue in goal.
Meanwhile, Ryan Lowe is likely to choose between Emil Riis and Milutin Osmajic to lead Preston's attack, after the latter scored on his return to the side following a back injury.
The star of PNE's pre-season, Robbie Brady - who scored with an incredible lob in a behind-closed-doors game against Liverpool and found the net again in midweek - is sure to feature on the left flank.
Midfield reinforcements Stefan Teitur Thordarson and Sam Greenwood are also set to play a part, but German defender Patrick Bauer is expected to leave Deepdale.
Preston North End possible starting lineup:
Cornell; Storey, Lindsay, Best; Potts, Whiteman, Frokjaer, Brady; Keane, Greenwood; Osmajic
Everton possible starting lineup:
Virginia; Coleman, Holgate, Branthwaite, Young; Garner, Iroegbunam; Harrison, Ndiaye, McNeil; Calvert-Lewin
We say: Preston North End 1-1 Everton
Not only are Preston closer to match-fitness than their Premier League opponents, but they are also in good form ahead of their final friendly contest.
Everton may have to settle for a score draw at Deepdale, leaving only one last chance to avoid ending their pre-season schedule winless.
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