Everton predicted XI v Blackburn Rovers: Travers to start in three changes
Everton continue their pre-season preparations on Saturday with a trip to Blackburn Rovers.
The Toffees did not get off to the best start this summer as they drew 1-1 with Accrington Stanley.
Many Everton players underperformed against Stanley, and David Moyes will be hoping for massive improvements against Blackburn.
Hosted at Ewood Park, it is the last friendly before the Merseyside club begin their US tour ahead of the new Premier League season.
As a result, Goodison News has attempted to predict Everton’s starting XI for Blackburn.
Mark Travers to be handed Everton debut vs Blackburn
Mark Travers became Everton’s latest signing earlier this week when the goalkeeper joined the Toffees from Bournemouth.
Therefore, there is a good chance that the 26-year-old will be thrown straight into action against Rovers.
In front of the keeper, it is likely that Jake O’Brien is brought back into the team after Nathan Patterson previously started against Accrington Stanley.
On the other flank will be Vitalii Mykolenko, with Jarrod Branthwaite and Michael Keane completing the backline.
In midfield, Moyes is expected to field five players. Carlos Alcaraz and Dwight McNeil are predicted to occupy the flanks, Tim Iroegbunam, James Garner, and Harrison Armstrong maintaining their place in the team.
Thierno Barry is not involved until later in pre-season, with the striker being given extra holiday after featuring in the Under 21s Euros.
Therefore, Beto will likely be recalled to the Everton lineup to start up top at Ewood Park.
Moyes will be expecting vast improvements against Blackburn
The performance against Accrington Stanley was no doubt a concern, but it matters little in pre-season if he can be quickly rectified.
Therefore, Moyes will be expecting vast improvements from his squad against a formidable Championship outfit.
Realistically, Everton should not have an issue overcoming Blackburn, and the Scotsman will likely have similar expectations.
However, a defeat or a poor draw could see the manager rethink his priorities amid the ongoing transfer window.
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