Everton v Fulham | Saturday 12th August | 3pm | Goodison Park | #EVEFUL
The opposition
- Everton will be hoping for a move away from the relegation battles that have plagued their previous two campaigns. After a 16th place finish in 2021/22, they ended up 17th last time around, relying on a final day victory over Bournemouth to preserve their top flight status.
- It’s been a relatively quiet window for the Toffees to date, adding veteran full-back Ashley Young on a free transfer, and winger Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villarreal, before announcing the signing of promising young striker Youssef Chermiti on the eve of our fixture.
- It’s been a productive pre-season for Everton, though, with the team going unbeaten across six friendly matches, and conceding in just two of them. Stade Nyonnais, Wigan Athletic, Stoke City and Sporting Clube de Portugal were all beaten by one-goal margins, while they were held to draws by Bolton Wanderers and Monza.
Everton team news
The home side have been boosted by the news that the injury picked up James Tarkowski in their win over Sporting is not serious, and their new vice-captain is available for the weekend. Dominic Calvert-Lewin had his minutes managed in pre-season and is likely only going to be fit enough for the bench, while Seamus Coleman, Dele Alli and Dwight McNeil are all definitely out. Danjuma was a doubt but has returned to training this week.
Fulham team news
João Palhinha is the only confirmed absentee for Fulham, though there are question marks over the availability of his fellow central midfielders Tom Cairney and Andreas Pereira. Marco Silva has confirmed that Aleksandar Mitrović will travel, but gave no hint as to whether his involvement would be from the off or as a substitute.
Tickets
A very limited number of tickets remain available for fans to buy. These are now off sale online, but you can still purchase in person from the Ticket Office or over the phone on 0203 871 0810. We will go off sale at 4pm on Friday, with no tickets available to purchase at Goodison Park on the day.
Weather
If travelling, make sure you bring appropriate clothing! Thundery showers have been forecast in the middle of the day, though the chance of rain drops considerably after full-time.
Player insight
After injury cruelly postponed his start to last season, Harry Wilson cannot wait for 2023/24 to get under way at Goodison Park on Saturday.
“I don’t think anyone enjoys pre-season!” Harry joked. “We all know it’s important so we’ve done the work, and we all can’t wait for the season to start now.
“I feel like with the international games in the summer, I didn’t really have that much time off, so I feel like I’m in a good place physically. I feel like myself and the team are in a great position to get going on Saturday.”
Coverage
FFCtv subscribers will be able to listen to live commentary of the game from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid.
Rule changes
Fans are advised of some changes to implementations of the laws of the game ahead of the new season.
