Two weeks before their season commences against Crystal Palace later this month, Everton play their second and final friendly in Germany this Saturday, this time facing up against VfB Stuttgart. The Toffees gained just their second win of pre-season last time out against Hamburger SV courtesy of a last minute own goal from the home side, after failing to score in their two games prior.
Everton have shown some promising signs in pre-season, particularly when their more ‘full-strength’ side has been on the pitch. Thierno Barry looked exciting last week after putting his shoulder injury behind him, and Tyrique George is proving why David Moyes was keen to quickly sign him up after his loan last season. With first-team players such as Jordan Pickford and James Garner to return soon, as well as former Brentford captain Christian Norgaard to join the midfield, Everton look to be in good shape for Gameweek 1.
In terms of the upcoming match, Stuttgart will likely provide a stronger challenge to Everton than last week, after having finished inside the top 4 in the Bundesliga last season. After already notching 7-0, 5-0, and 8-1 wins in pre-season, the German side will be full of confidence in their first encounter with a Premier League side this summer, which will also be the first time the two clubs have met.
Team News
Iliman Ndiaye has joined the squad in Germany after being granted an extended post-World Cup break, despite rumours of him possibly departing the club in the transfer window.
Jordan Pickford, however, is still yet to join the squad after finishing third in the World Cup with England.
James Garner remains doubtful to start the season after having surgery on a groin issue.
It remains to be seen whether new signing Christian Norgaard will be part of the squad for this match.
Transfer Rumours
Hull City have reportedly made an approach to sign midfielder Tim Iroegbunam.
Everton representatives were in attendance at Celtic’s match against Dundee on Monday night to watch defender Alistair Johnston, looking to finalise a £15m move for the Canadian right-back.
Christian Norgaard was announced as an Everton player on Wednesday night, signing a two-year deal in a transfer worth £7million.
Everton Key Player
Thierno Barry – Everton’s number 11 has had a promising start to pre-season, already racking up a goal and an assist in just two starts so far. Last time out against Hamburg, a mazy dribble followed by a backheel assist showed just what Barry can do with a bit of confidence, and with last season’s shoulder problems hopefully behind him, he will be looking to cement himself as David Moyes’ first choice striker.
Barry netted eight Premier League goals in 1,915 minutes last season, the equivalent of roughly 21 full 90s, despite making a full 38 appearances. Years ago, eight goals in your first Premier League season as a 23-year-old would have been seen as well above average; now, Barry has barely received any credit and has, in my opinion, become quite underrated. Looking forward to this season, double digits is more than achievable providing he gets the minutes, which would be fantastic to say the least.
One to Watch for Stuttgart
Lazar Jovanovic – Despite only making three cameos in the Bundesliga during the first half of last season, the 19-year-old has scored five goals in Stuttgart’s four pre-season matches, albeit against much weaker opposition than a Premier League side in Everton.
Whilst primarily operating as a right-winger, Jovanovic can also play centrally. Coming up against an Everton midfield which has not quite gelled as of yet, he could definitely be one to keep an eye on this Saturday.
Final Thoughts
It is still difficult to properly read into Everton at this stage of pre-season, as is the same for most teams. Many top-flight teams have struggled or underwhelmed to some extent in this period, such as Liverpool and Crystal Palace; we have even seen pre-seasons for Everton where they have barely even scored a goal! A manager with the experience of David Moyes will understand that these games are unpredictable, and he will be more focused on giving different players a chance just two weeks before the season starts.
Everton still need to get bodies in, and quick. They simply cannot go into the new season with the same set of defenders as last season and, whilst the signings so far this summer have been smart, more risks need to be taken in terms of personnel. In a season where the promoted teams look destined to go straight back down, Everton should capitalise on this and try and make some signings akin to the type that Brighton, Bournemouth, and Brentford make.
In terms of a prediction, I am going to go with a 1-1 draw. Attempting to predict a pre-season result is borderline useless, as we will most likely see two different XIs from both teams at some point during the game. I would be thrilled with seeing either of the strikers get on the scoresheet again for Everton, or perhaps a first goal in Royal Blue for Tyrique George.
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