Hayden Hackney Set for Debut: The summer signing from Middlesbrough is expected to feature for the first time after being eased into training following an injury at the end of last season. Tyler Dibling is also back after a minor knock.\n- **James Garner Injury Blow**: The Player of the Season underwent groin surgery and is a doubt for the Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on August 22nd. He will miss the remainder of preseason.\n- **Jarrad Branthwaite Rested**: The star center-back, who returned against Bolton in a back-three experiment, will sit out this fixture to avoid overloading him during preseason.\n- **Fan Unrest Growing**: Despite the arrivals of Hackney, Merlin Rohl (loan made permanent), and Tyrique George (loan made permanent), supporters are frustrated by the lack of a right-back signing and a proven striker — two positions identified as critical needs.\n- **Why This Matters**: Everton's preseason results and squad building directly impact their readiness for the 2026-27 Premier League campaign. With European ambitions hanging in the balance, every signing and tactical adjustment carries significant weight.
Everton opened their summer schedule with an encouraging 4-0 win over Dundee, but that momentum stalled with a frustrating goalless draw at Bolton Wanderers. The Toffees struggled to create clear chances, a recurring issue from last season when goals were hard to come by. At Stoke, Moyes will be looking for more fluidity in attack and sharper finishing.
Stoke City, meanwhile, finished 17th in the Championship last season and have yet to mount a genuine promotion challenge since their Premier League relegation in 2018. Mark Robins' side opened their preseason with a loss at Braga and a draw with Crewe Alexandra.
The club has confirmed the permanent signings of Merlin Rohl and Tyrique George after successful loan spells, while Hayden Hackney arrived from Middlesbrough. However, Idrissa Gueye has departed following the expiry of his contract, and Iliman Ndiaye is strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
The most glaring issue remains the right-back position. Despite widespread acknowledgment of the need, no signing has materialized. Additionally, the striker department — reliant on Beto and Thierno Barry — continues to raise concerns among fans, with many calling for a proven goalscorer.
David Moyes has experimented with a back-three system during preseason, deploying Branthwaite, Jake O'Brien, and James Tarkowski together against Bolton. It remains to be seen whether this will be the preferred setup for the new season.
Everton Supporters — The fanbase is restless. With the season opener against Crystal Palace just weeks away, the lack of transfer activity has sparked heated debate across forums and social media. Many feel the club's new "crack recruitment team" — assembled at significant cost — has yet to deliver tangible results.
David Moyes — Under pressure to improve on last season's mid-table finish, Moyes needs both results in preseason and new signings to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for European places.
The Squad — Players like Beto, Thierno Barry, and the young wingers (Tyrique George, Tyler Dibling) have a golden opportunity to stake their claim for starting roles, especially with Ndiaye's potential departure.
When and where is the match?\nA: Kick-off is at 8:00 PM BST (7:45 PM BST from some sources) on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the bet365 Stadium in Stoke-on-Trent, England.\n\nQ: How can I watch or stream the game?\nA: The match is available on beIN Sports 3, Sport TV2, JOJ Sport, and okko Sport. Live streaming is available via evertontv (one-time match passes for £5.99) and beIN Sports Connect.\n\nQ: Who is missing for Everton?\nA: James Garner (groin surgery) is out for the remainder of preseason and is a doubt for the season opener. Jarrad Branthwaite is being rested. Idrissa Gueye has left the club after his contract expired.\n\nQ: Will Hayden Hackney play?\nA: Yes, Hackney is expected to make his Everton debut after being gradually integrated into training following an injury. Tyler Dibling is also available after recovering from a minor knock.\n\nQ: What is the latest on transfer activity?**\nA: The club has signed Hackney and made Rohl and George's moves permanent, but no right-back or striker has been secured despite those being the priority positions. Ndiaye is reportedly in talks with Al-Hilal.
For Everton Fans: Keep an eye on how Moyes sets up tactically. The back-three experiment against Bolton suggests flexibility, but the attacking output remains the biggest concern. Watch for Hackney's integration and whether young wingers can seize their chances.\n- **How to Prepare**: If you're following Everton's summer closely, track the next few weeks of the transfer window closely. The club has five weeks until deadline day, and the recruitment team's performance will define the season.\n- **Key Actions**: \n 1. Watch the Stoke game to assess team chemistry and individual performances.\n 2. Follow transfer news for right-back and striker additions.\n 3. Monitor Garner's recovery timeline ahead of the Palace opener.\n- **Bottom Line**: Everton's preseason results matter less than squad development. The true test comes when the Premier League resumes, and the recruitment team must deliver before then.
What are your thoughts on Everton's summer so far? Are you confident in the recruitment team's ability to deliver before the transfer window closes, or are you concerned about the lack of movement? Share your thoughts with the community below.
*Do you think Everton will bring in a new right-back and striker before the season starts? Let us know!*
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