A look at the changes Everton could make for their final pre-season friendly against AS Roma on Saturday at Hill Dickinson Stadium
David Moyes talks to the press after the Premier League Summer Series match between Manchester United and Everton FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 03, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland - Premier League/Getty Images)
(Image: Photo by Todd Kirkland - Premier League/Getty Images)
One left then. Everton will play their final pre-season game of the summer on Saturday at Hill Dickinson Stadium against AS Roma.
So far, the summer has been something of a struggle. The Blues are yet to win any of their five friendly matches, including the three matches on American soil as part of the Premier League Summer Series.
They did at least finish on a positive. After defeats to AFC Bournemouth and West Ham United, Everton put in their best performance of the trip in their last outing with a 2-2 draw against Manchester United.
It will give David Moyes some hope heading into the weekend and as much as pre-season results count for nothing, a win would be a bonus. Especially given it will be the first time that the club's new stadium will be at capacity for a game.
There are expected to be around 52,000 fans in attendance when the Serie A side come to town. The match between the two first-teams will be followed by a Legends fixture, with a number of former players drafted in for what's set to be an hour-long encounter.
In terms of Moyes' squad though, he has some decisions to make for this one.
With the Premier League opener against Leeds United looming, the XI will likely be close to the team that will start at Elland Road.
Jordan Pickford should be in goal with that in mind, despite some pre-season outings from Mark Travers.
Elsewhere at the back there are some potential injury concerns. We await an update on Jarrad Branthwaite's fitness after he missed the tour to the States, while Nathan Patterson was absent for the United game after Moyes confirmed he had "hernia symptoms."
It means Jake O'Brien, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Vitalii Mykolenko will likely be the back four.
Adam Aznou will also be hoping for minutes after his move from Bayern Munich.
Further forward, James Garner and Idrissa Gueye seem set as a midfield partnership.
Ahead of them, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could provide competition to Carlos Alcaraz in the advanced position should his transfer from Chelsea be completed in time.
In the wide positions the Blues still lack options. With the attempts to sign Tyler Dibling seemingly stalling this week, Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye are the only options available to David Moyes.
Up top, Beto has started every pre-season game, including three ahead of £27 million summer signing Thierno Barry.
Youssef Chermiti will also be on the bench and will hope to get one last chance to impress before a decision is made over his future.