Preview: FC Stade Nyonnais vs. Everton
Everton begin their pre-season campaign with a trip to Switzerland to face recently-promoted second-tier side FC Stade Nyonnais.
In a city more renowned for being home to the headquarters of UEFA, Everton will spend the week in Switzerland before returning home for three friendlies against EFL sides at the end of the month.
This fixture will represent the first in what the Everton faithful will hope is a season where the club finally put two years of torture behind them.
Everton will start the campaign with a new permanent manager at the helm for the third successive season, but more optimism is felt around Merseyside given the near-miracle Sean Dyche performed to keep the Toffees in the top flight in May.
With what is perceived as a much weaker squad than what most of his predecessors have had at their disposal, Dyche’s pragmatic and aggressive approach won Everton numerous vital points, especially on the road, as they survived on the final day.
However, a cloud still looms over the club given the unresolved board situation, with Bill Kenwright announcing he is to stay on temporarily, much to the dismay and anger of the large majority of the Everton fanbase.
The club are still yet to announce any incomings this summer, despite numerous outgoings, but that is set to change this week once the impending signing of Ashley Young on a free is announced.
On the field, Everton will hope they do not make any more unwanted headlines in what should be a rather routine friendly match to navigate.
Preview: Nyonnais vs. Everton – prediction, team news, lineups
The club have endured some headline-making defeats in pre-season over the past few years, and with the pressure on the club to improve the squad in the transfer market urgently, a lacklustre display here will only further illustrate the wishes of the fans.
While being a complete unknown quantity outside of Switzerland, Nyon could offer Everton an interesting test though.
A strong campaign saw the club promoted to the second division last season, and their domestic proceedings will get underway next Friday.
Nyon are certainly a much stronger outfit than the one Everton faced when they travelled to neighbouring Austria in their last visit to this region of Europe in 2018, when they beat minnows ATV Irdning 22-0.
Nyon are already well into their preseason and beat top-flight Lausanne 2-1 in a friendly last Tuesday, but this will ultimately be by far their biggest test in their final warm-up game for the season ahead.
FC Stade Nyonnais form (all competitions):
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We say: FC Stade Nyonnais 0-3 Everton
Nyon should not be underestimated, but Everton should enjoy a routine success in a match which will be more about easing the squad back into the swing of things.