PL2 Preview: City Face Champions Everton

The Toffees lifted the PL2 crown in stunning fashion last season before many of their young stars also contributed to England’s FIFA U20 World Cup success in the Korea Republic earlier this summer.

Ahead of the 7pm kick-off in Merseyside this Friday, here are five things you may not already know…

Up and running

While City started their second season in PL2 with a 1-0 reverse against Manchester United on Monday afternoon, Everton were forced to settle with a 0-0 draw at West Ham United.

The newly-promoted Hammers kept their visitors at bay for much of the clash, limiting David Unsworth’s side to long-range efforts and audacious attempts from set-plays.

Everton dominated possession, however, and could have taken the lead when Jonjoe Kenny struck the woodwork in the second half.

In the latter stages West Ham, who had first teamer Michail Antonio among their ranks, also had Conor Coventry sent off, but they stood tall to pick up their maiden point in the top-flight.

Unsworth’s thoughts

Everton boss Unsworth was frustrated by his side’s 2-1 defeat by Notts County in the Checkatrade Throphy on Tuesday evening.

The Blues conceded two first-half goals and, despite Anton Donkor’s strike later on, they ultimately failed to get underway in the Football League Trophy with a positive result.

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David Unsworth

Everton U23s boss David Unsworth.

“They were poor goals from our point of view,” Unsworth told evertonfc.com. “We let the striker use his body and turn us and we’d spoken about the importance of defending set pieces in this competition.

“It’s a real threat for League 1 and 2 clubs because they’re bigger, taller and stronger than us. Set pieces in this competition are always going to be a threat.”

Last time out

City’s most recent trip to Merseyside was a difficult affair for Steve Beaglehole’s side, in between otherwise pleasing results against Liverpool (W 2-1) and Nottingham Forest (D 2-2).

Also at the Merseyrail Community Stadium back in December 2016, the Foxes fell to a 4-1 reverse to the side who would go on to lift the PL2 title five months later.

Despite Callum Connolly’s opener for the hosts, City dominated the early proceedings and drew level on 24 minutes through Jeffrey Schlupp, whose instinctive finish made it 1-1.

But two goals in five second-half minutes put Everton into a 3-1 lead, as Oumar Niasse and Harry Charsley were both on target, before Courtney Duffus completed the scoring late on.

One to watch

Born in Kirkdale, Jonjoe Kenny, 20, has been with Everton since the age of nine and he played a key role for England in winning the U20 World Cup this summer.

In 2016, he joined League 2 outfit Oxford United, managed by current City assistant Michael Appleton. He played 20 games for the Yellows, helping Oxford win promotion.

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Jonjoe Kenny

Jonjoe Kenny is Everton's U23s captain.

On the back of that success, he was handed his senior debut by temporary management pair Unsworth and Joe Royle for a 3-0 success over Norwich City at Goodison Park.

The 2016/17 term was his finest success, however, as he captained the Toffees to the PL2 title.

Beaglehole on Everton

“I told the lads not to be down [after United] and let’s go and have a really good go at Everton,” the Under-23s boss told LCFC TV this week.

“It’s a very difficult game as well. There are no easy games at this level. It’s a good test for them.

"If a player is outstanding at this level in this league, you’ve got a right chance of playing in the Premier League.

“Difficult game. They have spent a lot of money, not only on the senior squad, but all the way down. They are investing in good players so it will be a difficult one for us.”