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Michael Kenrick 28/07/2026 comments | Jump to last
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Another step toward Premier League readiness as the Blues step out tonight for a runout against Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium before they head off to Germany.
We have been promised our first sight of Hayden Hackney in the Blue shirt of Everton... will David Moyes come through with that?
Jarrad Branthwaite is not part of Everton’s matchday squad for tonight’s pre-season friendly at Stoke City as part of his planned reintegration into the squad following the hamstring injury he sustained towards the end of last season.
The centre-back played the first half at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday and, as scheduled, will now continue full training at Finch Farm this week ahead of being involved in the Blues’ next friendly against Hamburger SV at Volksparkstadion on Saturday.
Here's the team news with the kick-off set for 7:45 pm BST:
First Half
Dewsbury-Hall got things going, with a passback for a long hoof from Travers. Hackney showed some quick interpassing in the first forward move but crossed too close to the keeper. A ball to Beto's feet required him to turn and he was easily closed down.
Mykolenko forced the first corner, Tyrique George lashing a screamer from 30 yards, a foot outside the angle! Much more lively start than the previous two games...
Line-up:
Everton:
12 Travers,
34 Röhl,
6 Tarkowski,
5 Keane,
16 Mykolenko,
45 Armstrong,
30 Hackney,
20 Dibling,
22 Dewsbury-Hall,
19 George,
9 Beto.
Subs: King, G Pickford, McNeil, Barry, O'Brien, Alcaraz, Aznou, Iroegbunam, Tamen, Finney, Graham, Campbell, Foster.
>>> Click here to watch Stoke v Everton on the day of the fixture
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Posted 28/07/2026 at 18:14:21
What shirt number will Hayden Hackney wear?
He's not really a Number 8 is he? More like a Number 6... but that is taken by James Tarkowski.
Probably something daft, like 27.
Posted 28/07/2026 at 18:17:38
27 was gana Michael. Possible!!!
Posted 28/07/2026 at 18:37:13
Shirt numbers mean very little these days in regard to position, I don’t even think Pickford has claimed the number 1 shirt has he?
Posted 28/07/2026 at 18:44:04
Branthwaite not even on the bench, hmm
Posted 28/07/2026 at 18:44:34
Hackney is Number 30
Posted 28/07/2026 at 18:45:34
Any team news?
Posted 28/07/2026 at 18:47:45
Yep.
See above.
Armstrong, Dibling and George start.
Posted 28/07/2026 at 18:50:34
Has he actually tried O‘Brien in a proper centre half pairing this pre- season?
Don’t think he has, the muppet.
Posted 28/07/2026 at 18:55:30
6 of them decent going forward if allowed.
Looks to me he is prepping Tarkowski and Keane partnership for the first game.
Posted 28/07/2026 at 19:00:10
Right to take it careful on Branthwaite. Play at weekend
Posted 28/07/2026 at 19:08:46
Jeff #4 Official reason to no doubt avoid speculation."Jarrad Branthwaite is not part of Everton’s matchday squad for tonight’s pre-season friendly at Stoke City as part of his planned reintegration into the squad following the hamstring injury he sustained towards the end of last season. The centre-back played the first half at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday and, as scheduled, will now continue full training at Finch Farm this week ahead of being involved in the Blues’ next friendly against Hamburger SV at Volksparkstadion on Saturday."
Posted 28/07/2026 at 19:24:54
Thanks for that clarification George.
Posted 28/07/2026 at 19:27:37
Any links?
Posted 28/07/2026 at 19:39:44
Ndiaye open to Al-Hilal move - but if he leaves, it will be on Everton's terms.
Looks like he's off then lads.
With the loonatic prices being paid now, we should get round £70 million, but This is Everton, isn't it.
Posted 28/07/2026 at 19:46:20
We just need to keep Ricardo Fuller and Arnautovic quiet tonight.
Posted 28/07/2026 at 19:46:32
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/everton
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