07/08/2026
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(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Everton conclude a two-game tour of Germany this weekend against Vfb Stuttgart at the MHPArena.
David Moyes’s side secured a 2-1 win at Hamburg in their first fixture on German soil, as a stoppage-time own goal from Jordan Torunarigha sealed success. Merlin Röhl had earlier opened the scoring for the Toffees on his return to his homeland.
That win was Everton’s fourth fixture of a busy summer, with Stuttgart set to represent a step up in opposition as preparations continue for the Premier League.
Sebastian Hoeneß’ side finished fourth in the Bundesliga last season to secure Champions League qualification, and also reached a second successive DFB-Pokal final.
Everton Team News
Christian Norgaard will not feature for Everton with the new recruit expected to link up with the squad upon their return from Germany.
The Danish midfielder joined from Arsenal for a £7m fee earlier this week and will work on his fitness at Finch Farm. He could debut in Everton’s next pre-season game, against Newcastle United next Wednesday at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.
Iliman Ndiaye and Nathan Patterson have returned to the group after extended breaks, following their 2026 World Cup involvement. Both will hope to earn their first minutes of the pre-season campaign against Stuttgart.
Jordan Pickford, who reached the semi-finals with England, will join the group upon their return. James Garner remains out with a groin issue.
Everton Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Travers; O'Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Röhl, Ireogbunam, Dewsbury-Hall; Dibling, Barry, Ndiaye.
Stuttgart vs Everton: Match Details
Kick-off: 4:00 pm BST, Saturday 8th August
Venue: MHPArena, Stuttgart, Germany
How to Watch Stuttgart vs Everton
Pre-season games are available to stream live via evertontv. One-time match passes are available for £5.99 per fixture. All can follow updates here, on the ToffeeWeb Live Forum.
Read more - What we need to see from Everton in the final week of pre-season
Reader Comments (40)
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Paul Hewitt
2 Posted 07/08/2026 at 14:26:33
2 Posted 07/08/2026 at 14:26:33
I have an idea.
Let's play Patterson, who is a right-back, at right-back.
Let's play Patterson, who is a right-back, at right-back.
Dave Lynch
3 Posted 07/08/2026 at 14:31:13
3 Posted 07/08/2026 at 14:31:13
Paul @2.
Stop it, mate... that makes sense to everybody but our manager.
He has always had his favourite players, who he will shoehorn in despite their deficiencies.
Stop it, mate... that makes sense to everybody but our manager.
He has always had his favourite players, who he will shoehorn in despite their deficiencies.
Alan McGuffog
4 Posted 07/08/2026 at 14:53:27
4 Posted 07/08/2026 at 14:53:27
He should have played all the pre-season games so that Moyes could evaluate and make a decision on his future.
Play him or sell him, for fuck's sake.
Play him or sell him, for fuck's sake.
Brendan McLaughlin
5 Posted 07/08/2026 at 15:26:26
5 Posted 07/08/2026 at 15:26:26
Alan #4\,
"So that Moyes could evaluate"
You don't think Moyes has pretty much made his mind up about Patterson?
"So that Moyes could evaluate"
You don't think Moyes has pretty much made his mind up about Patterson?
Alan McGuffog
6 Posted 07/08/2026 at 15:31:27
6 Posted 07/08/2026 at 15:31:27
I think you're probably right, Brendan, but given clubs aren't beating a path to our door to take him off our hands, we ought to be doing our best to get him up to speed.
I don't rate the lad but it may be we are stuck with him... maybe, just maybe, there's a player in there.
I don't rate the lad but it may be we are stuck with him... maybe, just maybe, there's a player in there.
Ian Wilkins
7 Posted 07/08/2026 at 15:52:18
7 Posted 07/08/2026 at 15:52:18
Patterson has had multiple chances under successive managers who have all come to the same conclusion: he can't defend.
He's still with us because nobody has made an offer for him. Nobody else wants him.
He's still with us because nobody has made an offer for him. Nobody else wants him.
Tom Bowers
8 Posted 07/08/2026 at 16:03:35
8 Posted 07/08/2026 at 16:03:35
These are the games where by you can experiment.
Leaving out Tarkowski and Mykolenko seems logical right now and putting in O'Brien and Aznou is worth a try. Also playing Rohl in the right-back position is something worth trying.
Mykolenko is pretty steady but gets turned too easily on his inside and isn't that much better the other way. Teams that have done their homework know this and exploit it.
Tarkowski has been consistent but he is making mistakes like John Stones used to and that can be very costly. It's not just your physical game that declines with age, it's also your mental game.
Leaving out Tarkowski and Mykolenko seems logical right now and putting in O'Brien and Aznou is worth a try. Also playing Rohl in the right-back position is something worth trying.
Mykolenko is pretty steady but gets turned too easily on his inside and isn't that much better the other way. Teams that have done their homework know this and exploit it.
Tarkowski has been consistent but he is making mistakes like John Stones used to and that can be very costly. It's not just your physical game that declines with age, it's also your mental game.
Nigel Scowen
9 Posted 07/08/2026 at 16:14:07
9 Posted 07/08/2026 at 16:14:07
Ian @7,
Agreed, Ian, Pogo is not playing because Pogo is crap!!!
The fact that no one else is interested and previous managers have not been convinced either says it all really, just not good enough.
I agree with Tom and Christy, start Rohl at right-back and play O'Brien alongside Branthwaite.
Agreed, Ian, Pogo is not playing because Pogo is crap!!!
The fact that no one else is interested and previous managers have not been convinced either says it all really, just not good enough.
I agree with Tom and Christy, start Rohl at right-back and play O'Brien alongside Branthwaite.
Eric Myles
10 Posted 07/08/2026 at 16:33:33
10 Posted 07/08/2026 at 16:33:33
Christy #1,
Wasn't Tarkowski captain all last season?
Wasn't Tarkowski captain all last season?
Jay Harris
11 Posted 07/08/2026 at 16:48:58
11 Posted 07/08/2026 at 16:48:58
Vice captain officially, Eric, but, in the absence of Seamus, to all intents and purposes he was captain.
Please don't trash Moyes over Patterson. He has no anticipation or concentration and can't defend. Numerous managers and match-going Toffees have come to the same conclusion.
Moyes may have numerous faults but not playing Patterson at this level is not one of them.
Please don't trash Moyes over Patterson. He has no anticipation or concentration and can't defend. Numerous managers and match-going Toffees have come to the same conclusion.
Moyes may have numerous faults but not playing Patterson at this level is not one of them.
Christy Ring
12 Posted 07/08/2026 at 17:25:09
12 Posted 07/08/2026 at 17:25:09
Eric, as Jay said, he was officially vice-captain, and I agree with Jay, numerous managers have tried Patterson. For me, his biggest problem is he switches off, and loses concentration
How many times has he been caught out ball-watching and leaving his man totally free? I think he has 12 months left on his contract, and no one is even looking to take him?
How many times has he been caught out ball-watching and leaving his man totally free? I think he has 12 months left on his contract, and no one is even looking to take him?
Alan McGuffog
13 Posted 07/08/2026 at 18:29:39
13 Posted 07/08/2026 at 18:29:39
I agree with most people about Patterson's ability, or lack of. Felt quite sorry for the lad in a World Cup game when it was apparent his teammates were reluctant to give him the ball.
However, it seems Moyes is reluctant to buy a right-back. Which means a very capable centre-back is played out of position.
Is it inconceivable that we might coach Patterson into being a better full-back? Christ on a bike, it seems we have a dead ball coach, whatever he does. Improving players, isn't that what coaches do?
However, it seems Moyes is reluctant to buy a right-back. Which means a very capable centre-back is played out of position.
Is it inconceivable that we might coach Patterson into being a better full-back? Christ on a bike, it seems we have a dead ball coach, whatever he does. Improving players, isn't that what coaches do?
Mike Gaynes
14 Posted 07/08/2026 at 18:33:00
14 Posted 07/08/2026 at 18:33:00
Christy #12,
There's plenty of interest reported in Patterson, most strongly from Eintracht Frankfurt but also Genoa and others.
There's plenty of interest reported in Patterson, most strongly from Eintracht Frankfurt but also Genoa and others.
David West
15 Posted 07/08/2026 at 19:36:08
15 Posted 07/08/2026 at 19:36:08
Mike G,
I'll believe it when I see him in another shirt. I don't know what kind of wages he's on, can't be astronomical, but is the player just thinking "I'm taking a pay cut to leave early, why not sit it out for a season, and maybe boost my wages on a free, on the most critical move of his career"?
Why in 3 years haven't we identified a young player to bring through and develop? Even to now be back up to a right-back signing? Okay, buying a right-back, but knowing Everton, 2nd game of season, he will get a long term injury.
We do have an academy...
I'll believe it when I see him in another shirt. I don't know what kind of wages he's on, can't be astronomical, but is the player just thinking "I'm taking a pay cut to leave early, why not sit it out for a season, and maybe boost my wages on a free, on the most critical move of his career"?
Why in 3 years haven't we identified a young player to bring through and develop? Even to now be back up to a right-back signing? Okay, buying a right-back, but knowing Everton, 2nd game of season, he will get a long term injury.
We do have an academy...
Bobby Mallon
16 Posted 07/08/2026 at 22:47:20
16 Posted 07/08/2026 at 22:47:20
That is a poor predicted line-up... just shite.
Paul Kossoff
17 Posted 07/08/2026 at 00:03:06
17 Posted 07/08/2026 at 00:03:06
Hands up who would swap Barry for Calvert-Lewin?
Is it worth signing up to watch Everton TV?
Is it worth signing up to watch Everton TV?
Phillip Warrington
18 Posted 08/08/2026 at 01:54:47
18 Posted 08/08/2026 at 01:54:47
Do we have a right-back in our U21s?
Living overseas, I only really get news about first-team players.
Living overseas, I only really get news about first-team players.
Anthony Dwyer
19 Posted 08/08/2026 at 02:17:30
19 Posted 08/08/2026 at 02:17:30
Reading a few comments on the right-back position and imo Rohl is not a right-back, he can't tackle, and his biggest attributes are wasted in that position. O'Brien is the best of a mediocre bunch we have at right-back.
The Biggest issue I personally have is: How don't we have a single Under-21 player to do the job? Not one kid catching the eye???
Lastly, if all else is as it has been, would it not be worth trying Aznou as a right-back? Seems he's a natural full-back!
The Biggest issue I personally have is: How don't we have a single Under-21 player to do the job? Not one kid catching the eye???
Lastly, if all else is as it has been, would it not be worth trying Aznou as a right-back? Seems he's a natural full-back!
Eric Myles
20 Posted 08/08/2026 at 03:07:34
20 Posted 08/08/2026 at 03:07:34
Isn't Aznou left-footed, Anthony?
More likely to be played as left-back than right-back.
More likely to be played as left-back than right-back.
Eric Myles
21 Posted 08/08/2026 at 04:40:27
21 Posted 08/08/2026 at 04:40:27
Joe McMahon
22 Posted 08/08/2026 at 09:00:47
22 Posted 08/08/2026 at 09:00:47
Paul @17, most would swap Barry for any striker.
Time to move on from Calvert-Lewin.
Time to move on from Calvert-Lewin.
David West
24 Posted 08/08/2026 at 10:01:03
24 Posted 08/08/2026 at 10:01:03
With the players available, new and old, there's no big shift in anything this season.
If we got Grealish back and he's fit, then that's huge, but in terms of being able to do anything different on the pitch, it's pretty similar. Nothing has added a new dimension to our attacking options.
Nothing has given us the ability to have a different tactical approach or switch games up. No change to the terrible fullback options. No real boost to create more chances to give the strikers more opportunities.
We can bring Hackney in up to now, but he will probably be on the bench if Garner is fit. I'm still hoping for a few ins & outs but it looks like more of the same as last season if we don't.
If we got Grealish back and he's fit, then that's huge, but in terms of being able to do anything different on the pitch, it's pretty similar. Nothing has added a new dimension to our attacking options.
Nothing has given us the ability to have a different tactical approach or switch games up. No change to the terrible fullback options. No real boost to create more chances to give the strikers more opportunities.
We can bring Hackney in up to now, but he will probably be on the bench if Garner is fit. I'm still hoping for a few ins & outs but it looks like more of the same as last season if we don't.
Kevin Molloy
25 Posted 08/08/2026 at 10:30:41
25 Posted 08/08/2026 at 10:30:41
Is Moyes really going to go into the new season with O'Brien or Rohl on the bench, and Tarkowski as first pick?
After the last 7 games of last season, surely Jake -- having been here 2 years waiting patiently -- is entitled to a run of games at centre-back??
After the last 7 games of last season, surely Jake -- having been here 2 years waiting patiently -- is entitled to a run of games at centre-back??
Mike Hayes
26 Posted 08/08/2026 at 10:35:32
26 Posted 08/08/2026 at 10:35:32
You just know who Moyes is going to play, what formation, square pegs in round holes, no tactics, late subs, sit back, hoofball KITAN1(?) swap Beto/Barry for Barry/Beto whoever starts first - for 2026/7 rinse and repeat from 2025/6 🤷
See who proves who wrong 💙
See who proves who wrong 💙
Andy Meighan
27 Posted 08/08/2026 at 10:42:06
27 Posted 08/08/2026 at 10:42:06
Kevin 25.
How long have you supported Everton, of course he is, because David knows Everton better than any of us, and hates us as much in equal measure.
He's banking on Branthwaite staying fit and carrying the whole back 4.
Obrien isn't a rb Tarkowski is bang average and ageing and quite frankly the Ukrainian isn't worth a carrot, and cacks himself whenever he gets near the opposition 18 yard box.
I'll be massively shocked if we sign a right back, in fact I don't think hes bothered.
How long have you supported Everton, of course he is, because David knows Everton better than any of us, and hates us as much in equal measure.
He's banking on Branthwaite staying fit and carrying the whole back 4.
Obrien isn't a rb Tarkowski is bang average and ageing and quite frankly the Ukrainian isn't worth a carrot, and cacks himself whenever he gets near the opposition 18 yard box.
I'll be massively shocked if we sign a right back, in fact I don't think hes bothered.
Sean Mitchell
28 Posted 08/08/2026 at 11:17:27
28 Posted 08/08/2026 at 11:17:27
All of the midfielders will stay and Rohl will be the new right back.
O'Brien will be benched alongside Hackney and the other younger players. Tarkowski is bang on to be a regular and so is Mykolenko.
We can progress when the dour one leaves. But knowing the unambitious owners, he'll stay for another 3 years. We still won't have a right-back in 3 years! No crystal ball needed.
O'Brien will be benched alongside Hackney and the other younger players. Tarkowski is bang on to be a regular and so is Mykolenko.
We can progress when the dour one leaves. But knowing the unambitious owners, he'll stay for another 3 years. We still won't have a right-back in 3 years! No crystal ball needed.
Jimmy Carr
30 Posted 08/08/2026 at 11:22:24
30 Posted 08/08/2026 at 11:22:24
No right back, more central midfielders than you can shake a stick at, two forwards who between them had a decent goal tally last year (okay, they're terrible footballers but you can't have everything) and a left-back who never does anything but defend.
Seems obvious that Moyes is getting ready to shock us all and unveil a revolutionary (for him) 3-5-2 formation this season. I fully expect it's what we'll see today... Perhaps.
Seems obvious that Moyes is getting ready to shock us all and unveil a revolutionary (for him) 3-5-2 formation this season. I fully expect it's what we'll see today... Perhaps.
Charles Brewer
31 Posted 08/08/2026 at 12:24:35
31 Posted 08/08/2026 at 12:24:35
Is Stuttgart showing this? Hamburg’s free coverage was excellent last week and given the invariably terrible evertonfc technology - £5.99, guaranteed not to work - I’ll be looking for my German Dictionary of Abusive Sports Terms this afternoon
Anthony Dwyer
32 Posted 08/08/2026 at 12:29:58
32 Posted 08/08/2026 at 12:29:58
Eric 20;
Yes mate Aznou is left footed and a left back by trade, but look at how well Spence done playing Lb as a right footed full back in the world cup.
Going back Dennis Irwin was a right footed left back and done well enough throughout his career.
I'm not saying it's the answer, I'm just suggesting a full back being shifted over to the opposite flank short term rather than Rohl or Obrien being played out of position.
Again not a long term solution, just one that may allow us to put Obrien cb next to Jarrod, and give Aznou some much needed experience.
Yes mate Aznou is left footed and a left back by trade, but look at how well Spence done playing Lb as a right footed full back in the world cup.
Going back Dennis Irwin was a right footed left back and done well enough throughout his career.
I'm not saying it's the answer, I'm just suggesting a full back being shifted over to the opposite flank short term rather than Rohl or Obrien being played out of position.
Again not a long term solution, just one that may allow us to put Obrien cb next to Jarrod, and give Aznou some much needed experience.
Eric Myles
33 Posted 08/08/2026 at 13:27:10
33 Posted 08/08/2026 at 13:27:10
Anthony #32, so you'd rather have Moyes crucified for playing a lefty Aznou out of position in his wrong side than crucified for playing righties O'Brien or Garner out of position in their right sides?
Imagine how well that is going to go down with the Moyes lovers on here
Imagine how well that is going to go down with the Moyes lovers on here
Eric Myles
34 Posted 08/08/2026 at 13:34:00
34 Posted 08/08/2026 at 13:34:00
Andy #27 "He's banking on Branthwaite staying fit and carrying the whole back 4."
Given Branthwaites injury problems it's likely he's banking on Keane to carry the whole back four and Branthwaite is a bonus if fit.
Given Branthwaites injury problems it's likely he's banking on Keane to carry the whole back four and Branthwaite is a bonus if fit.
Dave Whitwell
35 Posted 08/08/2026 at 13:51:18
35 Posted 08/08/2026 at 13:51:18
Not sure I can entirely agree on the comments re Patterson, yes he is prone to a defensive mistake but if we’re going there, so are all of our defence bar Branthwaite!
I lost count of the amount of mistakes both Tark and O’Brien made in every game towards the end of the season so it’s a bit u fair to suggest he might hadve made as many as that.
On the brief occasions I have seen Patterson play he does offer more going forwards than any other option since Coleman so at least he has that.
All that said I think our issues at right back go further than any individual, the play on our left hand side is so much stronger, KDH shows much more on the left as an inside option but vary really pops up on the right, whilst N’Daiye as amazing as he is, always risk losing the ball and therefore exposing the RB, on the left side when Grealish was there he either completes a pass or draws a foul, he vary rarely loses possession completely. So for me the whole team has to take responsibility for the right side
I lost count of the amount of mistakes both Tark and O’Brien made in every game towards the end of the season so it’s a bit u fair to suggest he might hadve made as many as that.
On the brief occasions I have seen Patterson play he does offer more going forwards than any other option since Coleman so at least he has that.
All that said I think our issues at right back go further than any individual, the play on our left hand side is so much stronger, KDH shows much more on the left as an inside option but vary really pops up on the right, whilst N’Daiye as amazing as he is, always risk losing the ball and therefore exposing the RB, on the left side when Grealish was there he either completes a pass or draws a foul, he vary rarely loses possession completely. So for me the whole team has to take responsibility for the right side
Phil Roberts
36 Posted 08/08/2026 at 14:09:03
36 Posted 08/08/2026 at 14:09:03
We never get a decent answer on what midfield to play.
Goalie and Back 4 plus 1 up top = 6
So we have 5 positions to fill and 11 (or 12 options).
Dewsbury-Hall
Garner
Hackney
Röhl
N'diaye
Armstrong
Nørgaard
George
Dibling
Irogebunam
O'Niell
(Grealish)
Who is going to play given you have only 5 slots.
And if you are going to play 6 of them, which would you give a game at RB and so how are the remaining 5 lining up?
All well and good but any corporate executive would say I don't want problems, I want solutions. ToffeeWeb obviously does not have the people who could be bosses as we never come with solutions.
So here is your chance - but you will probably ignore me!
Goalie and Back 4 plus 1 up top = 6
So we have 5 positions to fill and 11 (or 12 options).
Dewsbury-Hall
Garner
Hackney
Röhl
N'diaye
Armstrong
Nørgaard
George
Dibling
Irogebunam
O'Niell
(Grealish)
Who is going to play given you have only 5 slots.
And if you are going to play 6 of them, which would you give a game at RB and so how are the remaining 5 lining up?
All well and good but any corporate executive would say I don't want problems, I want solutions. ToffeeWeb obviously does not have the people who could be bosses as we never come with solutions.
So here is your chance - but you will probably ignore me!
Billy Bradshaw
37 Posted 08/08/2026 at 14:18:12
37 Posted 08/08/2026 at 14:18:12
Why do people post links with pay walls?
Eric Myles
38 Posted 08/08/2026 at 14:21:33
38 Posted 08/08/2026 at 14:21:33
Billy, maybe some readers have subcriptions to them? Or the site owners do and can quote them?
Eric Myles
39 Posted 08/08/2026 at 14:25:37
39 Posted 08/08/2026 at 14:25:37
Dave #35 "yes he is prone to a defensive mistake but if we’re going there, so are all of our defence bar Branthwaite!"
And the reason Branthwaite hasn't made mistakes?
'Cos he hasn't played due to injury?
And the reason Branthwaite hasn't made mistakes?
'Cos he hasn't played due to injury?
Ajay Gopal
40 Posted 08/08/2026 at 14:32:49
40 Posted 08/08/2026 at 14:32:49
Dave (35), you make a fair point about the right side of Everton. Merlin Rohl could potentially be a solution to that problem, or if we were to resign Richy (I have a sneaky feeling that we might), then given that he is so hard working, that may also solve that problem.
Phil (36), most likely Tim and McNeil would be sold and if we get Richy instead, then the midfield could look like this (players as backup) in a 4-2-3-1 system:
George Dewsbury-Hall Richarlison
Norgaard Garner
(Alcaraz Rohl Dibling
Armstrong Hackney)
Simple!
Phil (36), most likely Tim and McNeil would be sold and if we get Richy instead, then the midfield could look like this (players as backup) in a 4-2-3-1 system:
George Dewsbury-Hall Richarlison
Norgaard Garner
(Alcaraz Rohl Dibling
Armstrong Hackney)
Simple!
Phil Roberts
41 Posted 08/08/2026 at 15:27:47
41 Posted 08/08/2026 at 15:27:47
Ajay, you are also assuming Ndiaye will be sold and Richarlison will replace Barry and Beto up front.
Also, you are at the moment saying the Championship Player of the Season will not be in your team, our new German star will not, our star Academy player will need to be sold or go out on loan, and the most expensive teenager we have ever bought will not get in the team -- and all will be just back-ups?
At least thanks for trying.
Also, you are at the moment saying the Championship Player of the Season will not be in your team, our new German star will not, our star Academy player will need to be sold or go out on loan, and the most expensive teenager we have ever bought will not get in the team -- and all will be just back-ups?
At least thanks for trying.
Anthony Dwyer
42 Posted 11/08/2026 at 02:05:28
42 Posted 11/08/2026 at 02:05:28
Eric,
Moyes will be crucified by his haters if he somehow managed to get Gary Stevens back to fitness and played him right-back... b
With my idea of trying Aznou at right-back, we at least get O'Brien back in at centre-back, alongside Branthwaite, and keep our best central midfielder in his natural position.
If nothing else, that is two players strengthening our team, with an option of a young attacking full-back given a genuine chance of game time.
To be honest, it's pretty irrelevant as we both know Moyes won't do this. Best case: we sign a proven right-back; worst case: he will play O'Brien there and find a space for Tarkowski or Keane at centre-back.
Moyes will be crucified by his haters if he somehow managed to get Gary Stevens back to fitness and played him right-back... b
With my idea of trying Aznou at right-back, we at least get O'Brien back in at centre-back, alongside Branthwaite, and keep our best central midfielder in his natural position.
If nothing else, that is two players strengthening our team, with an option of a young attacking full-back given a genuine chance of game time.
To be honest, it's pretty irrelevant as we both know Moyes won't do this. Best case: we sign a proven right-back; worst case: he will play O'Brien there and find a space for Tarkowski or Keane at centre-back.
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1 Posted 07/08/2026 at 14:13:36
Rumours that Tarkowski is going to be our new captain. If Moyes makes him captain, he'll be starting every game, so back to our leader's safe and conservative line-up?