14/08/2026
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(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Everton welcome Lille to Hill Dickinson Stadium this weekend for the club’s final pre-season fixture.
David Moyes will want his side to retain momentum after an impressive 3-1 win over Newcastle United in Edinburgh in midweek.
Everton produced the best performance of the pre-season programme so far to run out comfortable winners at Murrayfield, courtesy of goals from Thierno Barry, Iliman Ndiaye, and Tyrique George.
Lille finished third in Ligue 1 last season to secure Champions League football, before a change of coach at The Stade Pierre-Mauroy. A familiar face will be in the opposition dugout this weekend as ex-Everton assistant Davide Ancelotti, son of former Blues’ boss Carlo, returns to Merseyside.
Everton Team News
Jarrad Branthwaite is set to return to the Everton side after sitting out the win over Newcastle. Branthwaite’s absence in Edinburgh was pre-planned as Everton manage his load during the pre-season, following his hamstring issues.
Jordan Pickford did not return to the squad, as expected, but should start here. New signings Brennan Johnson and Christian Norgaard could also feature for the Toffees for the first time. Merlin Röhl, Tyler Dibling and Jake O’Brien will all hope to return after starting as substitutes at Murrayfield.
Tim Iroegbunam will not feature after sustaining a hamstring injury that has scuppered a potential move to Hull City. Hull had lodged a formal offer for the 23-year-old, whose contract expires next summer. The fee involved was around £16M.
Everton Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Pickford; O'Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Röhl, Armstrong, Dewsbury-Hall; Ndiaye, Barry, George.
Everton vs Lille: Match Details
Kick-off: 3 pm BST, Saturday 15 August 2026
Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool
How to Watch Everton vs Lille
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.
Reader Comments (39)
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Ian Wilkins
2 Posted 14/08/2026 at 13:43:15
2 Posted 14/08/2026 at 13:43:15
How are we one week out from start of season and we still have no right-back, and a weak left-back?
Phil Malone Jnr
3 Posted 14/08/2026 at 14:45:33
3 Posted 14/08/2026 at 14:45:33
Championship starts today, we're nearly done our pre season friendlies and the predicted line up is all the same players from last season.
We honestly write off the games until deadline day.
We honestly write off the games until deadline day.
John Keating
4 Posted 14/08/2026 at 14:55:35
4 Posted 14/08/2026 at 14:55:35
I'd like to see how we could start with:
Pickford
O'Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite
Rohl, Armstrong, Dewsbury-Hall, Hackney,
Ndiaye, Barry, George
Rohl's up-and-down running could cover right-back to make a 4 when required. George has done enough preseason. Barry slightly better than Beto.
Pickford
O'Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite
Rohl, Armstrong, Dewsbury-Hall, Hackney,
Ndiaye, Barry, George
Rohl's up-and-down running could cover right-back to make a 4 when required. George has done enough preseason. Barry slightly better than Beto.
Jay Harris
5 Posted 14/08/2026 at 15:37:12
5 Posted 14/08/2026 at 15:37:12
Not a bad shout that, John, but I expect he will want to give Johnson and Norgaard a run out before the season starts but it's going to be difficult keeping everybody happy.
Note to self, Davey: We still haven't got a decent right-back at the club!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Note to self, Davey: We still haven't got a decent right-back at the club!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve Brown
6 Posted 14/08/2026 at 15:51:32
6 Posted 14/08/2026 at 15:51:32
18 days left to sign a right-back.
John Temple
7 Posted 14/08/2026 at 16:03:22
7 Posted 14/08/2026 at 16:03:22
Everton have had plenty of right-backs to bid for. Sensible teams put in a bid they have a good chance with.
Everton's first bid is usually a tenner and 3 Mars bars.
Everton's first bid is usually a tenner and 3 Mars bars.
David West
8 Posted 14/08/2026 at 20:08:53
8 Posted 14/08/2026 at 20:08:53
Looking forward to getting back in the ground. I hope we put out a strong side:
Pickford
Rohl O'Brien Branthwaite Mykolenko
Hackney
Dibling Armstrong Dewsbury-Hall George
Johnson
Barry
It will probably be Tarkowski, with O'Brien at right-back though.
But let's see the new guys together!
Pickford
Rohl O'Brien Branthwaite Mykolenko
Hackney
Dibling Armstrong Dewsbury-Hall George
Johnson
Barry
It will probably be Tarkowski, with O'Brien at right-back though.
But let's see the new guys together!
Stan Grace
9 Posted 14/08/2026 at 20:48:55
9 Posted 14/08/2026 at 20:48:55
We should be pretty strong with 12 players on the field, David.
Mark Steers
10 Posted 14/08/2026 at 22:07:58
10 Posted 14/08/2026 at 22:07:58
I think it will be Patterson at right-back and he will probably last an hour. This gives Moyes a chance to put Rohl there till the end.
It will probably be O'Brien and Branthwaite in the centre so Davey can finish the game with Tarkowski and Keane as late subs; that pretty much looks like our defence options. Enjoy.
It will probably be O'Brien and Branthwaite in the centre so Davey can finish the game with Tarkowski and Keane as late subs; that pretty much looks like our defence options. Enjoy.
David West
11 Posted 14/08/2026 at 22:09:48
11 Posted 14/08/2026 at 22:09:48
Haha Stan I've actually just give myself a slap!
I was debating if he'd play Hackney or Armstrong, and ended up with both.
Few beers in mate, forgive me!!
I was debating if he'd play Hackney or Armstrong, and ended up with both.
Few beers in mate, forgive me!!
Stan Grace
12 Posted 14/08/2026 at 23:06:48
12 Posted 14/08/2026 at 23:06:48
With our usual one striker on his own up front we might actually get away with it, David.
Who's going to notice 10 defending instead of 9?
Who's going to notice 10 defending instead of 9?
Andy Meighan
13 Posted 15/08/2026 at 03:59:46
13 Posted 15/08/2026 at 03:59:46
A week to go before the season starts, and we still haven't signed a right-back.
Not once have I seen on any football site, any TV show, or any football outlet a headline saying there is a world shortage of competent right-backs in football. This is an absolute disgrace that this has gone on for 3 seasons.
I'm convinced Moyes doesn't want one so he can say, "Well, I begged them but they didn't listen, so I'm playing O'Brien there."
And to think there was plenty on here only a few short days ago saying that this Nick Hammond and his team are working wonders, or words to that effect. I'd sack the fucking lot of them today... 'incompetent' doesn't even begin to cover it.
Not once have I seen on any football site, any TV show, or any football outlet a headline saying there is a world shortage of competent right-backs in football. This is an absolute disgrace that this has gone on for 3 seasons.
I'm convinced Moyes doesn't want one so he can say, "Well, I begged them but they didn't listen, so I'm playing O'Brien there."
And to think there was plenty on here only a few short days ago saying that this Nick Hammond and his team are working wonders, or words to that effect. I'd sack the fucking lot of them today... 'incompetent' doesn't even begin to cover it.
Mike Gaynes
14 Posted 15/08/2026 at 05:23:33
14 Posted 15/08/2026 at 05:23:33
Andy, I'm not sure sacking the entire recruiting team 17 days before the window closes is quite the resolution to the problem that most football clubs would choose.
That's the deadline. 17 days. Not the seven before the season opens.
That's the deadline. 17 days. Not the seven before the season opens.
Jack Convery
16 Posted 15/08/2026 at 05:54:31
16 Posted 15/08/2026 at 05:54:31
Preparation, prevents poor performance. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. We are never fully prepared for a new season. Never.
Only in football can you start the show with understudies, instead of the genuine article. Imagine going to watch a play in the West End expecting to see Sir Ian McKellen and Judy Dench, only to find Danny Dyer and Mrs Brown in the lead parts.
Yet football clubs expect us to pay top dollar before the cast has actually been fully assembled. Football, taking fans' loyalty for granted for far too long.
Only in football can you start the show with understudies, instead of the genuine article. Imagine going to watch a play in the West End expecting to see Sir Ian McKellen and Judy Dench, only to find Danny Dyer and Mrs Brown in the lead parts.
Yet football clubs expect us to pay top dollar before the cast has actually been fully assembled. Football, taking fans' loyalty for granted for far too long.
Paul Hewitt
17 Posted 15/08/2026 at 07:22:48
17 Posted 15/08/2026 at 07:22:48
Not many tickets sold for today's game apparently.
I'll be surprised if it's over 30k.
I'll be surprised if it's over 30k.
Annika Herbert
18 Posted 15/08/2026 at 08:06:49
18 Posted 15/08/2026 at 08:06:49
We should have had a right-back in by now, Mike, not still worrying about signing one with 17 days to go.
Even if we do, Moyes will want to “integrate” them into the squad. Followed by "they aren't up to speed yet". Of course, if we buy an overseas player, that will allow Moyes to use another of his favourite terms: "They aren't Premier League ready yet".
Bearing in mind it's a position of need, we should definitely have prioritised one well before the new season kicks off.
Even if we do, Moyes will want to “integrate” them into the squad. Followed by "they aren't up to speed yet". Of course, if we buy an overseas player, that will allow Moyes to use another of his favourite terms: "They aren't Premier League ready yet".
Bearing in mind it's a position of need, we should definitely have prioritised one well before the new season kicks off.
Terry Downes
19 Posted 15/08/2026 at 08:11:07
19 Posted 15/08/2026 at 08:11:07
Looks like Moyes decided weeks ago he's happy to have Rohl or O'Brien there?
Ian Wilkins
20 Posted 15/08/2026 at 09:19:55
20 Posted 15/08/2026 at 09:19:55
The failure to sign a right-back is negligence it's a glaring problem holding us back. There have been many options, some still available. It's clear there's a difference of opinion.
Moyes does not want overlapping, goal-threat full-backs. His flat back four don't leave their own half, and won't accommodate it.
That's why Mykolenko works for him. That's why Alistair Johnston would work for him.
Moyes does not want overlapping, goal-threat full-backs. His flat back four don't leave their own half, and won't accommodate it.
That's why Mykolenko works for him. That's why Alistair Johnston would work for him.
Mark Steers
21 Posted 15/08/2026 at 09:39:32
21 Posted 15/08/2026 at 09:39:32
Can anyone tell me why, all of a sudden, this right-back situation is so bad, the sheep are all making noises?
We've had this issue for 4 seasons yet no one said anything. I don't understand what's different?
Lampard had Jonjoe Kenny and Ben Godfrey playing there. Dyche had Ashley Young and James Garner playing there. So why moan about Moyes doing it?
Oh, we also we paid someone for 4 of them seasons yet no body moaned about him... Karma!
We've had this issue for 4 seasons yet no one said anything. I don't understand what's different?
Lampard had Jonjoe Kenny and Ben Godfrey playing there. Dyche had Ashley Young and James Garner playing there. So why moan about Moyes doing it?
Oh, we also we paid someone for 4 of them seasons yet no body moaned about him... Karma!
John Collins
22 Posted 15/08/2026 at 09:40:45
22 Posted 15/08/2026 at 09:40:45
Mike Gaynes posted elsewhere he considered the Iroegbunam fee was designated for a new right-back...
Looking like we won't match last season's spend, despite an increased income.
Looking like we won't match last season's spend, despite an increased income.
Michael Kenrick
23 Posted 15/08/2026 at 11:11:04
23 Posted 15/08/2026 at 11:11:04
Paul @17,
I think anything like 30k turning up today would be a very good crowd for an Everton pre-season game -- especially as this one is available online for streaming for the princely sum of £5.99.
Sill, all good grift to the TFG coffers and the every little bit helps toward the SCR revenue bottom line.
I think anything like 30k turning up today would be a very good crowd for an Everton pre-season game -- especially as this one is available online for streaming for the princely sum of £5.99.
Sill, all good grift to the TFG coffers and the every little bit helps toward the SCR revenue bottom line.
Andy Meighan
24 Posted 15/08/2026 at 11:13:37
24 Posted 15/08/2026 at 11:13:37
Mike, I think you know what I'm driving at.
It's gross negligence and I'll bet it hasn't happened at any other Premier League club.
This time last year, it was the Tete affair, since then it seems like they haven't bothered their arses to even identify one. Oh yes, there's been links, of course, but it seems to be there's other areas of more importance.
And while I'm in one... why hasn't there been any interest in a left-back he doesn't trust Aznou, and every match-going fan and those watching from far-flung shores knows Mykolenko is garbage.
I'm sick of it, and I suspect thousands more are.
It's gross negligence and I'll bet it hasn't happened at any other Premier League club.
This time last year, it was the Tete affair, since then it seems like they haven't bothered their arses to even identify one. Oh yes, there's been links, of course, but it seems to be there's other areas of more importance.
And while I'm in one... why hasn't there been any interest in a left-back he doesn't trust Aznou, and every match-going fan and those watching from far-flung shores knows Mykolenko is garbage.
I'm sick of it, and I suspect thousands more are.
Raymond Fox
25 Posted 15/08/2026 at 11:34:48
25 Posted 15/08/2026 at 11:34:48
Nothing yet about Grealish signing for another season.
We are reputedly interested in signing Munoz from Palace but they want £25M for a 30-year-old.
We are obviously trying to sign a right-back but it ain't easy, they have to be good enough, then you have to convince the player to come, plus all the other dots have to line up.
We are reputedly interested in signing Munoz from Palace but they want £25M for a 30-year-old.
We are obviously trying to sign a right-back but it ain't easy, they have to be good enough, then you have to convince the player to come, plus all the other dots have to line up.
John Collins
27 Posted 15/08/2026 at 11:38:51
27 Posted 15/08/2026 at 11:38:51
If we don't sign anyone this week, the line up predicted will be the starting line up next week.
Steve Brown
28 Posted 15/08/2026 at 11:42:27
28 Posted 15/08/2026 at 11:42:27
17 days left to sign a right back, 61 days since the transfer window opened.
It isn’t easy to find a decent full back of course, unless you are every other club in the premier league.
Juanlu Sanchez, Costinha, Marco Palestra, Oscar Mingueza, Thomas Meunier…there are simply none to be found.
It isn’t easy to find a decent full back of course, unless you are every other club in the premier league.
Juanlu Sanchez, Costinha, Marco Palestra, Oscar Mingueza, Thomas Meunier…there are simply none to be found.
Mark Taylor
29 Posted 15/08/2026 at 12:30:42
29 Posted 15/08/2026 at 12:30:42
The evidence suggests that while Moyes would be happy enough with another right back, he doesn't think it's important. Whether we like it or not, he sees O'Brien and maybe Garner (or even Rohl) as acceptable options with Patterson as (serious) emergency cover.
This is not about this window and the time left to do business (and of course the 'intergration' issue). It's a years long saga and the lack of action in that time is strong evidence for my theory.
I also think losing the transfer money for Tim seriously reduces the chances of this position being strengthened, given it has never been a big priority. As for left back, again, I've seen no evidence the club sees it necessary to get a proper upgrade on Myko.
This is not about this window and the time left to do business (and of course the 'intergration' issue). It's a years long saga and the lack of action in that time is strong evidence for my theory.
I also think losing the transfer money for Tim seriously reduces the chances of this position being strengthened, given it has never been a big priority. As for left back, again, I've seen no evidence the club sees it necessary to get a proper upgrade on Myko.
John Collins
30 Posted 15/08/2026 at 12:36:39
30 Posted 15/08/2026 at 12:36:39
I remember the posts from weeks ago, Steve.
Along the lines of: "No other club in Europe has signed a right-back yet, why should we?"
Along the lines of: "No other club in Europe has signed a right-back yet, why should we?"
Steve Brown
31 Posted 15/08/2026 at 13:23:28
31 Posted 15/08/2026 at 13:23:28
“David Moyes' summer silence continues today with an absence of his usual programme notes from the Everton manager.”
From the Echo.
From the Echo.
Liam Mogan
32 Posted 15/08/2026 at 13:54:43
32 Posted 15/08/2026 at 13:54:43
Moyes has probably seen his arse because he's not being worshipped for getting us 'talking about Europe' last season and the owners have put a cap on spends.
He's always ben a thin-skinned egotist.
The excuses will soon trot out if we start poorly.
He's always ben a thin-skinned egotist.
The excuses will soon trot out if we start poorly.
John Collins
33 Posted 15/08/2026 at 14:01:04
33 Posted 15/08/2026 at 14:01:04
Looks like he's not happy.
I wonder will he resign on a point of principle. 😁
I wonder will he resign on a point of principle. 😁
Liam Mogan
34 Posted 15/08/2026 at 14:03:13
34 Posted 15/08/2026 at 14:03:13
No chance John. He wouldn't give up the millions.
Annika Herbert
35 Posted 15/08/2026 at 14:17:56
35 Posted 15/08/2026 at 14:17:56
Looking forward to seeing the line up for this one. I would love to see Aznou get a start. But I very much doubt it
Andrew Ellams
36 Posted 15/08/2026 at 14:17:58
36 Posted 15/08/2026 at 14:17:58
Looks like we can put the Scotland job rumours to bed now too.
Lee Jackson
37 Posted 15/08/2026 at 14:35:38
37 Posted 15/08/2026 at 14:35:38
Team for today per red Echo:
Pickford; Rohl, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Hackney, Dewsbury-Hall, Armstrong; Dibling, Barry, Ndiaye.
Subs: Travers, King, Patterson, Keane, Beto, O’Brien, George, Johnson, Alcaraz, Aznou, Graham, Foster.
Pickford; Rohl, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Hackney, Dewsbury-Hall, Armstrong; Dibling, Barry, Ndiaye.
Subs: Travers, King, Patterson, Keane, Beto, O’Brien, George, Johnson, Alcaraz, Aznou, Graham, Foster.
Nico Terblanche
38 Posted 15/08/2026 at 16:57:07
38 Posted 15/08/2026 at 16:57:07
We are better of with no r/b then buy someone for the sake to have one. We must buy a proper and good r/back. We cannot risk throughing monie into water.
Derek Thomas
39 Posted 15/08/2026 at 00:52:34
39 Posted 15/08/2026 at 00:52:34
Terry @19; I remember when Rohl first arrived and there was a piece bigging him and his various positional capabilities up which ended with, 'and he can even play full-back'.
John Collins @33; resign on a point of principle? Give over!
The way we're set up right now, being run by a 'Committeeee' with Moyes 'in it' but not really 'of it' -- being how he is basically a 'sole trader', an 'all or nothing, my way or the highway, I'm in charge' type, is neither fish nor fowl.
I get the impression that there's two factions: Moyes vs The 3 Amigos. For good or evil, both sides are prevented by the other from doing a complete job as they see it. FC Half-Arsed Job.
This time next week, I don't want to see the headline -- "Moyes carries on how he left off last season".
Can we just have a plain old by-the-numbers home win, with some odd bits of joined-up football as a bonus, please?
John Collins @33; resign on a point of principle? Give over!
The way we're set up right now, being run by a 'Committeeee' with Moyes 'in it' but not really 'of it' -- being how he is basically a 'sole trader', an 'all or nothing, my way or the highway, I'm in charge' type, is neither fish nor fowl.
I get the impression that there's two factions: Moyes vs The 3 Amigos. For good or evil, both sides are prevented by the other from doing a complete job as they see it. FC Half-Arsed Job.
This time next week, I don't want to see the headline -- "Moyes carries on how he left off last season".
Can we just have a plain old by-the-numbers home win, with some odd bits of joined-up football as a bonus, please?
Mike Gaynes
40 Posted 16/08/2026 at 04:01:29
40 Posted 16/08/2026 at 04:01:29
Andy #24, did you see anything from Kenny Tete last season that made you wish he was playing for us? I sure as hell didn't. Even out of position O'Brien is way better.
And as for Mykolrnko, sorry but not "every" fan thinks he's garbage. I mean, that sure was a garbage chip he made to Dewsbury-Hall to set up our only goal yesterday, eh? That was just about inch-perfect.
Steve #28, which of those players do you actually know anything about? Palestra would have been nice, of course, but we aren't quite ready to spend £48M on a right-back.
Costinha played 74 games at Olympiakos with a goal and four assists. Mingueza was dropped by Celta Vigo and doesn't even play much right-back anymore. Meunier is 34, was dropped by Lille and showed up injured at Sunderland. Which of these players do you wish we had gotten?
You and Andy apparently believe O'Brien and Rohl suck so bad that we should sign any old free agent body with "right-back" on his business card just to plug in and play. Glad our recruiters don't feel that way.
I say sign somebody good or don't sign anybody. We don't need more Pattersons, thank you.
And as for Mykolrnko, sorry but not "every" fan thinks he's garbage. I mean, that sure was a garbage chip he made to Dewsbury-Hall to set up our only goal yesterday, eh? That was just about inch-perfect.
Steve #28, which of those players do you actually know anything about? Palestra would have been nice, of course, but we aren't quite ready to spend £48M on a right-back.
Costinha played 74 games at Olympiakos with a goal and four assists. Mingueza was dropped by Celta Vigo and doesn't even play much right-back anymore. Meunier is 34, was dropped by Lille and showed up injured at Sunderland. Which of these players do you wish we had gotten?
You and Andy apparently believe O'Brien and Rohl suck so bad that we should sign any old free agent body with "right-back" on his business card just to plug in and play. Glad our recruiters don't feel that way.
I say sign somebody good or don't sign anybody. We don't need more Pattersons, thank you.
Andy Meighan
41 Posted 16/08/2026 at 09:17:05
41 Posted 16/08/2026 at 09:17:05
Not really Mike you see for me its about putting square pegs in square holes, and round pegs in round holes.ie playing players in their natural positions.
Now I don't know if you've noticed this but neither Rohl or Obrien were bought for the right back position, but miserable Davey continues to play mainly Obrien there and he has used Rohl there pre season.
As for Mykolenko do me a favour please mate, ive got a lot of time for your opinions and views but you're way off the mark with this fella.
Id bet you now if you were to run a straw poll about him being our first choice left back id say 65% would vote against you.
But hey its all about opinions.
Now I don't know if you've noticed this but neither Rohl or Obrien were bought for the right back position, but miserable Davey continues to play mainly Obrien there and he has used Rohl there pre season.
As for Mykolenko do me a favour please mate, ive got a lot of time for your opinions and views but you're way off the mark with this fella.
Id bet you now if you were to run a straw poll about him being our first choice left back id say 65% would vote against you.
But hey its all about opinions.
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1 Posted 14/08/2026 at 12:33:34
But, as every single person other than David Moyes knows this, I won't bother.