Beaglehole: Be Brave At Everton

- Steve Beaglehole previews the Development Squad's clash with Everton on Friday (7pm KO)
- The Leicester City Under-23s opened with a narrow 1-0 reverse to Manchester United
- Everton, meanwhile, are also awaiting their first victory of the new campaign
- David Unsworth’s side drew 0-0 with newly-promoted West Ham United last weekend

City's task is a tough one at Merseyrail Community Stadium but the Under-23s manager was enthused by the performance, if not the result, against Manchester United on Monday.

The Foxes suffered successive 4-1 reverses against the Toffess in Division 1 last term but Beaglegole’s men have come a long way since their last meeting, in December 2016.

“I told the lads not to be too down [after United] and let’s go and have a really good go at Everton,” he 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.

“[It's a] 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.”

City’s start could hardly be more challenging with Monday’s encounter with 2016 champions being followed by a trip to the current holders, Everton.

Runners-up Manchester City then await seven days later.

“It’s the first of two big games for us, away at Everton and then at Etihad Stadium against Manchester City,” Beaglehole added.

“That means will open with three strong teams and I’ll be looking for results.”