Fresh signings and fringe stars look to impress in Scotland as the Toffees shake off the rust against a match-fit Dundee side to ignite their summer schedule.
Everton get their pre-season campaign underway as they face Dundee at Dens Park on Saturday, rounding off their mini training camp in Scotland.
It's been almost two months since we last saw Everton play, and despite it just being a friendly, it will be nice to see them back in action. Pre-season means very little from a results perspective, but that doesn't mean it's not important.
Everton's full pre-season schedule has been confirmed, with the Toffees featuring in seven matches, starting this weekend. You can find the full schedule by clicking this link.
The pre-season truly kicks off this weekend, with the Toffees facing Scottish Premiership side Dundee.
Dundee vs Everton: The preview
It's an incredibly important pre-season for Everton approaching, just like it is every year. It's a chance for the Everton squad to try to impress David Moyes, and with a couple of signings through the door, who aren't guaranteed to be starting every week, it's an opportunity for them to stake their claim.
They face a Dundee side who ended the Scottish Premiership season in strong form, winning three of their final four games. Former Everton defender Ryan Astley will likely be given the opportunity to play against his former club. Astley left Everton for Dundee in 2024 after failing to break into the first team.
Dundee have actually already been playing competitive matches, so their pre-season is well underway. Their first friendly was on the 4th July, while they've also played two group-stage games in the Scottish League Cup.
Dundee are slightly ahead in their preparation than Everton, but the Toffees are certainly the stronger side. It appears the Toffees have scheduled their pre-season to face slightly tougher opposition each game until the start of the campaign, slowly building them up to the return of Premier League football.
What I'd like to see from the game
Ultimately, the result doesn't matter. I know many will believe it does, and heads might fall off if we are beaten, but there are more important aspects to pre-season games, especially so early on.
The Dundee game is about blowing the cobwebs off. It's a chance for everyone to get minutes, players to get back into the swing of things, and fringe players to try to impress the manager.
In terms of what I'd like to see, there are a few things. Firstly, it will be great to see Jarrad Branthwaite getting some minutes and be back involved for the first time in a few months.
Everton will likely be managing his minutes, but it will be good to see him involved once again.
It's an incredibly important pre-season for a number of players. Firstly, Tyler Dibling. These next few weeks are crucial for him and his future at Everton.
REUTERSI'd like to see Dibling given an opportunity from the start and being given a prominent role throughout pre-season. We've invested a lot of money in him, and it's time to give him the opportunities to impress.
Dibling missed pre-season with Everton last summer after signing towards the end of August, so having him here from day one will be beneficial for him. Also, there's no Iliman Ndiaye, so that right-wing spot should be his.
It's a similar story for the likes of Tyrique George, Thierno Barry, and Adam Aznou. George wasn't given many opportunites last season, while Aznou was barely seen. It's a chance for them to prove to Moyes that they deserve more minutes.
With Barry, he was given a decent crack of the whip, but after a season of settling in, it's now time for him to show us what he's about. Show us why we invested a lot of money in him.
It will also be good to see Hayden Hackney in an Everton shirt for the first time. Pre-season is exciting for things like this. Fringe players given rare chances, and new signings getting their first outings.
A comfortable win would be nice for viewing pleasure reasons, but there are certainly more important things when it comes to pre-season.
