First preseason outing: This is Everton's first friendly of the 2026-27 campaign, following a week-long training camp in Scotland.
World Cup absentees: Jordan Pickford, Idrissa Gueye, Iliman Ndiaye, and Nathan Patterson are all unavailable as they receive extended breaks after international duty.
New kit debut: Everton will wear their newly released white away kit for the first time in this match.
Returning faces: Jarrad Branthwaite has been a full participant in training, while new signing Hayden Hackney is also fully integrated.
Head-to-head history: The two clubs have met only once before — a 2-0 Everton win in a 2015 pre-season friendly at the same venue.
Why this matters: This match is a critical early indicator of squad fitness, tactical experimentation, and the development of younger players ahead of the Premier League season. For Dundee, it's a high-profile test as they prepare for their Scottish Premiership opener against Celtic.
Everton finished 13th in the Premier League last season, and David Moyes will be aiming to push into the top half this time around. The Toffees have been training at a Scottish base for the last week, using the change of scenery to build fitness and team cohesion ahead of the new campaign.
Dundee, managed by Steven Pressley, are further along in their preparations. They have already played two Scottish League Cup group stage matches — a 4-2 comeback win over Airdrie and a dominant 5-0 victory against Annan in midweek. That competitive sharpness could give them an early edge, though the gulf in quality between the two sides is significant.
Everton's likely lineup (per match previews): Travers; O'Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Aznou; Hackney, Garner; Dibling, Dewsbury-Hall, George; Beto.
Notable talking points include the absence of senior stars like Jordan Pickford and Iliman Ndiaye, who are still on break after World Cup involvement. This opens the door for fringe players and academy prospects to stake their claim. Striker Beto, who scored 10 goals in 40 appearances last season, will lead the line and provide a physical challenge for the Dundee defense.
Dundee's key players: Ethan Hamilton, who scored against Airdrie last weekend, is one to watch. The midfielder was a standout performer last season and has carried that form into the new campaign.
Bookmakers have installed Everton as heavy 2/5 favourites with bet365. Dundee are priced at 5/1 for an upset, while the draw is at 10/3. Notable betting angles include:
Everton win & under 4.5 goals: at 5/6 — reflects the pragmatic approach both managers tend to favor in preseason.
Everton Half-Time/Full-Time: at 21/20 — Moyes' side are expected to control proceedings from the outset.
Everton win to nil: at 6/4 — a repeat of the 2015 scoreline at the same venue.
The forecast at Dens Park calls for 64°F (18°C), cloudy skies, with only a 10% chance of precipitation and light winds — ideal conditions for an early-season friendly.
How can I watch Dundee vs Everton?
The match will not be broadcast on traditional TV. It will be available via live stream on evertontv for subscribers.
When is the kick-off time?
The match kicks off at 6:00 a.m. PT / 9:00 a.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. BST on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
What is the capacity of Dens Park?
Dens Park Stadium has a capacity of 11,850 spectators.
Why are key Everton players missing?
Jordan Pickford, Idrissa Gueye, Iliman Ndiaye, and Nathan Patterson are all on extended breaks following their involvement in the World Cup.
Have Dundee and Everton played before?
Yes, only once — a 2-0 Everton win in a pre-season friendly back in 2015.
For Everton fans: This is your first look at how the squad is shaping up for 2026-27. Pay attention to new signing Hayden Hackney's integration and how younger players perform in the absence of World Cup stars.
For Dundee fans: This is a strong benchmark test against Premier League opposition. The recent 5-0 win over Annan shows goal-scoring form, but defending against Beto and Everton's attack will be a different challenge.
For bettors: The value lies in Everton-controlled outcomes — win to nil or half-time/full-time wins — rather than high-scoring markets, given the preseason fitness levels and Moyes' tactical conservatism.
For neutral observers: Keep an eye on Everton's new away kit and how David Moyes sets up his team without key internationals. It's a window into the club's tactical evolution.
Do you think Everton can break into the top half of the Premier League this season? How will the new signings and returning academy players shape the squad? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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