Everton will be looking to claim their first pre-season victory at the second attempt when they take on Minnesota United in Wednesday’s friendly at the Allianz Field.
Frank Lampard’s side lost 2-0 to Premier League rivals Arsenal at the weekend, while Minnesota have experienced a major upturn in fortunes in recent weeks.
Having picked up 13 points from a possible15 in MLS, Minnesota are the resident form team in the Western Conference and piled more misery onto a hapless DC United side in a 2-0 victory on Saturday.
Adrian Heath’s side now find themselves in fourth place and are within touching distance of Real Salt Lake in third, but Los Angeles and Austin FC are riding off into the sunset and are embroiled in a two-way fight for top spot.
Prior to the victory over DC United, Minnesota had endured an awful 14-game competitive run without a clean sheet, but the home crowd may not allow themselves to get overly confident as Everton go out with a point to prove.
Everton’s final day Premier League defeat to Arsenal back in May was written off by many before the start of the game, with Lampard’s side still in celebration mode after retaining their top-flight status for another year.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side still proved too strong in Baltimore on Saturday, as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus scored in the first half to force the Toffees to the worst possible start in pre-season.
After this contest against Minnesota United, Everton will also test their mettle against Blackpool and Dynamo Kyiv, before Lampard leads his side into anothe Premier League campaign, and the former Chelsea man was still able to cut an upbeat figure after the loss to Arsenal.
Everton made one senior signing in James Tarkowski, while Brazilian forward Richarlison departed from the club.
Minnesota United vs Everton head to head
The two teams have not previously met in any competition and this will be their first meeting in a friendly match.
Minnesota United latest home form
Minnesota United have recently been on a relatively good run of form at home, having been unbeaten in their four most recent matches. They managed to defeat DC United 2-0 in their last home game in the MLS. In their last five matches, they have scored 10 goals and conceded seven.
Minnesota United 0-1 New York City 29/05/22
Minnesota United 4-3 Paderborn 12/06/22
Minnesota United 3-2 Real Salt Lake 04/07/22
Minnesota United 1-1 Sporting KC 14/07/22
Minnesota United 2-0 DC United 17/07/22
Minnesota United latest away form
Minnesota United have recently been on a relatively good run of form on the road, having won each of their two most recent matches. They defeated Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in their last away game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored 10 goals and conceded eight.
Dallas 1-2 Minnesota United 23/05/22
New England 2-1 Minnesota United 20/06/22
Inter Miami 2-1 Minnesota United 26/06/22
La Galaxy 2-3 Minnesota United 30/06/22
Vancouver Whitecaps 1-3 Minnesota United 09/07/22
Everton latest home form
Everton have recently been on a relatively good run of form at home, having lost just one of their six most recent matches. The defeated Crystal Palace 3-2 in their last home game in the Premier League. In their last five matches, they have scored eight goals and conceded six.
Everton 1-0 Manchester United 09/04/22
Everton 1-1 Leicester City 20/04/22
Everton 1-0 Chelsea 01/05/22
Everton 2-3 Brentford 15/05/22
Everton 3-2 Crystal Palace 19/05/22
Everton latest away form
Everton have recently failed to keep a good run of form on the road, having won just one of their five most recent matches. They lost 2-0 to Arsenal in their last away game in a friendly. In their last five matches, they have scored three goals and conceded 10.
Liverpool 2-0 Everton 24/04/22
Leicester City 1-2 Everton 08/05/22
Watford 0-0 Everton 11/05/22
Arsenal 5-1 Everton 22/05/22
Arsenal 2-0 Everton 17/07/22
Minnesota United news
Wil Trapp is set to miss out due to a hamstring injury, as Jacori Hayes prepares to deputise in the heart of the midfield, while Joseph Rosales, Oniel Fisher and Callum Montgomery could provide fresh legs.
Minnesota’s injury list also includes Niko Hansen, Kervin Arriaga, Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi, Hassani Dotson, Romain Metanire and Patrick Weah.
Everton news
Second-choice goalkeeper Asmir Begovic missed out against Arsenal after twisting his ankle in training, but Lampard is hoping that the issue is only a minor one.
Andros Townsend is recuperating from his serious knee injury, while captain Seamus Coleman is still struggling with an unspecified injury and Allan remains doubtful.
Prediction and Odds
Everton head into the contest with a distinct lack of preparation compared to Minnesota United, who are enjoying on of the best periods of the season.
Lampard’s side should find their shooting boots on Wednesday, while the hosts can also strike back themselves, with the game likely to end in a draw.
Odds: 1 2.20 X 2.05 2 2.30
Prediction and Odds
Minnesota United 0-0 Everton
Minnesota United 1-1 Everton
Minnesota United 2-2 Everton
Minnesota United 1-0 Everton
Minnesota United 2-1 Everton
