Everton play their final pre-season friendly of the summer when they welcome Sporting CP to Goodison Park today (15.00 BST).
The Toffees’ final dress rehersal before they bring the curtain up on the 2023-24 Premier League season next week against Fulham is set to be a decent test.
So far this summer, Sean Dyche’s side are unbeaten in four friendly fixtures. They have earned victories over Stade Nyonnais, Wigan Athletic and Stoke City as well as drawing against Bolton Wanderers and most recently AC Monza.
A lack of goals in those games have been a concern, with Everton netting just six times in total.
But in terms of availability, the Blues are starting to look healthier. Dominic Calvert-Lewin made his first outing of the summer against Monza as Everton carefully manage his fitness, while Vitalii Mykolenko also featured having had an injury.
For the visit of Sporting, who finished fourth in the Primeira Liga last term, Dwight McNeil and Arnaut Danjuma are fitness doubts.
Regardless, plenty will be hoping to catch Dyche’s eye and thrust themselves into his plans for the opening fixture of the new campaign.
5. CB - Michael Keane
Dyche seems tohave settled on the partnership of Tarkowski and Keane in pre-season to build up a rapport. Jarrad Branthwaite is another option many fans will want to see, though. | Getty Images Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
6. LB - Ashley Young
Featured in the role against Bolton and Stoke. Vitalii Mykolenko made a playing return against Monza but still may not be fit enough to start. | Getty Images Photo: Matt McNulty/Getty Images
7. CM - Idrissa Gana Gueye
Will have to be on is mettle to screen the defence. | Getty Images Photo: Matt McNulty/Getty Images
8. CM - James Garner
Featured against Monza along with Amadou Onana. But with the latter coming back from an injury, it may be prudent to instead play Garner. | Getty Images Photo: Matt McNulty/Getty Images