Everton v Sevilla

So far so good for Everton, first European hurdle negotiated and unbeaten in pre-season.

Now Ronald Koeman has one more game to fine tune his boys, tactics and selection before the big kick off.

Nine months on a giant Premier League rollercoaster awaits. And Everton being Everton, you can bank on a season of ups and downs.

The Toffees sign off their pre season by welcoming Sevilla to the Grand Old Lady.

While the blues harbour Europa League ambitions, Sevilla know the tournament well, having won it five times in the last 12 seasons.

The clash sets up the routine Everton can expect most weeks comprising of Thursday-Sunday fixtures if EL group stage qualification is sealed.

The La Liga outfit finished fourth in Spain’s top flight last term.

With their season starting soon plus the play-off round of the Champions League upcoming, this friendly is as important to them as it is to us.

Both sides are getting a good feel of the European competition they hope to have this year.

Sevilla are no pushovers, just ask our lovable neighbours across the park (couldn’t resist a mention of that one).

Arsenal have already tasted defeat to the Spaniards this pre-season and their mini tour of England continues with a game against Southampton scheduled to take place 25 hours before kick off at Goodison.

Everyone who travelled to Slovakia got through it unscathed, meaning it’s all the same in terms of team news…

Think what you want about warm up games, but what can’t go unnoticed is what they do for player fitness levels.

Just 90 more minutes of non-competitive football to endure before we get down to very serious business.

Koeman and his backroom staff set out tough obstacles to get his men fit, and this is the last chance for the players to impress the Dutchman and claim a place in the side on the opening day of the season.

Up the Toffees.