Confirmed Everton starting XI v Southampton
Everton have confirmed their starting XI for their Premier League opener against Southampton at Goodison Park this evening.
Toffees manager Rafa Benitez has opted to start summer signings Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend, with Richarlison also thrown straight into action.
Confirmed on their official Twitter account prior to kick-off, Everton have kept the likes of Alex Iwobi and Yerry Mina on the bench.
Must-win game
Benitez does not have a lot of supporters at Goodison Park at the moment, and anything apart from a victory against the Saints would not be accepted.
Southampton are a tough team to beat, and how the Spaniard goes about his formation and tactics for this game would be interesting to see.
We have not had a brilliant transfer window when the signings we have made are compared with what teams fighting for European places are making, but that is no excuse not to start the campaign on an impressive note.
Benitez knew exactly what he was signing up for the moment he agreed to become Everton manager, and he must hit the ground running if he wants to quickly win the fans over.
A win today would be perfect, and the fans would not hesitate to turn on the boss if things do not go our way.
Starting 2021-22 off the back of a 4-0 loss to Manchester United in pre-season is not ideal, but the real deal starts today, and Benitez needs to get it right from the get-go.
In other Everton news, Toffees man shares why he rejected CL club for Goodison project.
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