AFC Bournemouth is a familiar opponent for Everton, with a history of entertaining and often high-stakes encounters.
From dramatic comebacks, like last season’s crucial win at Goodison Park, to pivotal results that have helped Everton narrowly avoid relegation in recent years, clashes between the two sides have rarely been dull.
The two teams will now meet in the Summer Series, a preseason tournament primarily aimed at expanding commercial reach in the United States. But beyond the marketing push, Saturday’s match will serve as an important litmus test for where Everton currently stand.
With the squad still missing four or five key additions, another poor showing or a heavy defeat could increase the urgency to bring in reinforcements before the season kicks off.
Recent results haven’t helped calm the nerves. Defeat to Blackburn Rovers and a draw with Accrington Stanley have left fans concerned, calling for the club to accelerate its transfer activity. Meanwhile, Bournemouth arrived with some momentum, having already beaten Hibernian and put six past Bristol City, an early sign that their attacking threat is very much alive.
Andoni Iraola’s side will look to exploit their attacking strength, with Justin Kluivert, Antoine Semenyo, and Marcus Tavernier operating behind Evanilson in Bournemouth’s strongest quartet. Adequate depth lies in the numbers behind, suggesting that Everton’s defence could be in for a tough ride.
This talent represents Bournemouth’s greatest strength and will look to exploit their opponents, especially with Everton being without Jarrad Branthwaite in defence. Their aggressive, high-pressing style will also pose a serious test for Everton’s backline, which is still finding rhythm and match sharpness.
On the flip side, if Thierno Barry makes his debut for Everton, it could be a prime opportunity to exploit Bournemouth’s biggest vulnerability: their defence.
The Cherries’ back line has been significantly weakened this summer, with Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, and Kepa Arrizabalaga all departing. Further uncertainty surrounds Ilya Zabarnyi, who is reportedly attracting interest from Paris Saint-Germain, leaving Bournemouth exposed at the back.
While Bournemouth are expected to target defensive reinforcements in the coming weeks, Everton remain in need of additions across all three areas of the pitch. Saturday’s clash promises to be a valuable test for both sides as they look to shift pre-season into a higher gear with the start of the Premier League now less than a month away.