Everton predicted XI v Bournemouth: Barry to debut in New Jersey, forward left out
Everton continue their pre-season preparations when they take on Bournemouth as part of the Premier League’s Summer Series.
The pair will face off in New Jersey on Saturday (26 July), as David Moyes’ side go in search of their first win of their pre-season campaign.
Everton were defeated 1-0 by Blackburn last weekend, in what was a frustrating follow-up to a 1-1 draw away at Accrington Stanley in their first outing of the summer.
Here, Goodison News predicts the Toffees’ starting XI for the game against their top-flight rivals, as their preparations ramp up to the next stage.
Thierno Barry to be handed debut v Bournemouth
Thierno Barry has been the most high-profile arrival of Everton’s window so far, and the Toffees faithful could be about to get their first glimpse of the new star against Bournemouth.
The Frenchman has been handed an extended break after he featured in the U21 Euros for France, but he has now joined up with Moyes and the rest of the squad across the Atlantic.
Beto toiled away with little reward against Blackburn, and it would be no surprise to see the boss opt to hand his new man the start and rest the Guinea-Bissau international on this occasion.
| Date | H/A | Result |
| 31 August (Premier League) | H | 3-2 Loss |
| 4 January (Premier League) | A | 1-0 Loss |
| 8 February (FA Cup) | H | 2-0 Loss |
The Scot will be desperate to see Barry hit the ground running on Merseyside, and giving him plenty of pre-season minutes will play a crucial role in helping him get up to speed for the Premier League.
The 22-year-old is highly unlikely to complete a full 90 minutes so early into his pre-season, but it would be no surprise at all to see him get an hour in his legs against the Cherries.
Elsewhere in the side, Jordan Pickford could be in line to make his first appearance of the summer, while Moyes will likely look to keep a strong team in place.
Nathan Patterson struggled last time out, but is expected to keep his spot, given that Jarrad Branthwaite has picked up an injury and hasn’t travelled with the team, so Jake O’Brien could partner Michael Keane.
Moyes will want to see a big improvement v Bournemouth
Everton’s performance in their last outing against Blackburn was indicative of a side who were still in the early stages of their pre-season campaign.
They lacked the intensity to pull their opponents apart in the final third, and it was largely a 90 minutes devoid of quality when it came to creating genuine scoring opportunities.
We’re still in the early stages of the summer, but Moyes will undoubtedly want to see a marked improvement from his group in their next outing, especially since Bournemouth have numerous players who are capable of ripping the Toffees apart if they are similarly poor.
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