Although Everton are just two friendlies into their pre-season schedule, their supporters are already understandably concerned about the upcoming campaign.
A 4-0 defeat at the hands of Minnesota United was as bad as the scoreline suggests, Frank Lampard acknowledging that widespread improvements need to be made in the short and long term.
The signing of James Tarkowski can only be deemed to be a positive for the Toffees, but there is a lack of balance to the squad with further additions yet to be made.
That is something which is not lost on Lampard and the club’s board, although it should not necessarily be used as an excuse as they look to hit the ground running on August 6.
With games against Blackpool and Dynamo Kiev remaining, there is much work ahead if they want to match Chelsea on the opening weekend of 2022-23.
Blackpool have endured their own upheaval this summer with head coach Neil Critchley, who had recently penned a long-term contract, accepting a move to Aston Villa as Steven Gerrard’s assistant.
The Seasiders hierarchy responded by appointing Michael Appleton, a former manager at Bloomfield Road, and there is the hope that he will bring some stability to the club.
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Signings have been in short supply, but Blackpool have recently acted to bring in Manchester City midfielder Lewis Fioriniand Liverpool defender Rhys Williams on loan deals.
With many of the players who featured in the calamitous first 45 minutes against Minnesota being withdrawn at half time, Lampard may be prepared to hand them a chance to redeem themselves in this game.
Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray are most likely to drop down to the substitutes’ bench after playing the most minutes versus the MLS side.
