Everton will begin their preparations for the 2021-22 campaign with a clash against Colombian outfit Millonarios in the early hours of Monday morning in Orlando, Florida.
Arsenal and Inter Milan had also been due to take part in the Florida Cup, but both teams have now withdrawn, meaning that Everton, as it stands, have just one confirmed fixture in the competition.
Match preview
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Rafael Benitez will take charge of Everton for the first time against Millonarios, but the club's plans for the rest of their time in Florida are unclear, following the withdrawal of Arsenal and Inter from the Florida Cup.
The Toffees only have two confirmed fixtures in the diary at this moment in time, with the club due to take on Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 7 in a pre-season clash ahead of their Premier League opener at home to Southampton on August 14.
The Merseyside giants have taken part in two training matches at Finch Farm, beating Accrington Stanley and Blackburn Rovers, although neither contest has been counted as a full fixture.
Everton have made three new signings during this summer's transfer window, bringing in Demarai Gray, Andros Townsend and Asmir Begovic, and it will be interesting to see how many more new players arrive before the deadline.
Benitez's appointment at Goodison Park has led to criticism, but there is no question that the Spaniard has the credentials to oversee a successful 2021-22 campaign at the helm.
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Millonarios, meanwhile, have already started their new domestic season and currently sit top of Categoria Primera A, having picked up six points from an available six thus far.
The Colombian outfit started their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Deportivo Pasto on July 19 before recording a 2-1 win over Deportes Quindio on July 22.
El Azul are 15-time Colombian champions, and they will provide tough opposition for Everton, particularly considering the climate and the fact that the Premier League outfit have not played a full match since the end of their 2020-21 Premier League season.
Millonarios are due to resume their league season against Once Caldas on July 31 and will therefore want to get through this game without picking up any injuries, but it will be a famous night for the club, and the players will be desperate to be involved against their Premier League opponents.
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Team News
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Everton will be without the services of Fabian Delph, as the midfielder is being forced to self-isolate after coming into contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus.
An unnamed player is also unavailable, having been suspended pending a police investigation.
New arrivals Begovic, Gray and Townsend have made the trip to Florida, though, and the trio could be in the starting XI on Monday morning, while Seamus Coleman, Ben Godfrey, Michael Keane, James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure are expected to be involved from the first whistle.
Moise Kean could start at centre-forward, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison both absent, while Lucas Digne should be involved despite representing France at Euro 2020.
As for Millonarios, head coach Alberto Gamero will make full use of his squad for this match, with a number of youngsters likely to be given opportunities to make their mark.
David Silva is the club's captain, and the 34-year-old is likely to feature in a midfield position, while there should be a start in attack for Fernando Uribe, who has netted twice in two appearances this term.
Everton possible starting lineup:
Begovic; Coleman, Godfrey, Keane, Digne; Gray, Gbamin, Doucoure, James, Townsend; Kean
Millonarios possible starting lineup:
C Vargas; Roman, Llinas, J Vargas, Perlaza; Rodriguez, Pereira, Vega, Silva; Mojica; Uribe
We say: Everton 2-1 Millonarios
Millonarios should provide a tough test for Everton, having already started their new season, but the Toffees have taken a strong squad to Florida and should have enough to pick up a narrow win in Orlando.
Matt Law
