Blackburn vs. Everton: A Historic Encounter Rekindled

Mark your calendars for July 19th, 2025! Ewood Park will be buzzing with excitement as Blackburn Rovers, who are aiming for Championship glory, take on the Premier League's Everton FC in a highly anticipated preseason friendly. It's a fantastic opportunity to watch a match between two renowned English clubs.

Match Preview: Battle of Ambitions in Preseason

Everton: A New Era Under David Moyes

The 2025-26 season will be significant for Everton Football Club, which is now led by David Moyes, who returned to Goodison Park last January. After rescuing Everton from relegation and leading them to a respectable 13th-place finish, Moyes is tasked with preparing his squad for a fresh era—one that includes a highly anticipated move to their new home at Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.

Everton’s Preseason So Far

The Toffees began their preseason with a 1-1 draw against Accrington Stanley, where striker Beto netted a late equalizer. While the performance lacked intensity, it was their first step back after the break. Following this friendly against Blackburn, Everton will fly to the USA for the Premier League Summer Series, facing Roma in the inaugural match at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Key Transfers and Squad Updates

• Thierno Barry (striker, from Villarreal)—will join the squad in the USA.

• Carlos Alcaraz—Loan move from Flamengo made permanent.

• Mark Travers—Set to feature in goal.

• Idrissa Gueye—Signed a new one-year contract.

• James Tarkowski—Remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

With more signings expected, including Takefusa Kubo and Timothy Weah on their radar, the squad rebuild is well underway.

Blackburn Rovers: Looking for a Playoff Push

Under manager Valérien Ismaël, Blackburn Rovers are hoping to improve on their 7th-place result from the previous season, which came just two points short of 6th place and cost them a Championship playoff berth.

Strong Finish to 2024-25

The Rovers ended the season on a fantastic note, collecting 13 points over their last five matches. This run really showed off their resilience, better tactics, and a strong attacking presence.

Preseason Momentum

• 2-1 win vs. Accrington Stanley—a promising start.

• Friendlies vs. Everton and Elche before facing West Brom on August 9.

Squad Notes and Injuries

• Scott Wharton—Returned from a long injury, played 30 minutes.

• Harry Leonard & Andreas Weimann—Still out.

• Dion De Neve & Sidnei Tavares—New signings; Tavares yet to debut.

With Ismaël slowly shaping his squad, this match will provide critical insight into their preparedness.

Head-to-Head: History, Rivalry & Recent Results

These two sides have met over 30 times historically, with Everton slightly ahead:

• Everton Wins: 14
• Blackburn Wins: 11
• Draws: 8

Last Five Meetings:

• 2018: Blackburn 3-0 Everton (Friendly)

• 2013: Everton 3-1 Blackburn (Friendly)

• 2012: Everton 1-1 Blackburn (Premier League)

• 2011: Everton 1-0 Blackburn (Premier League)

• 2010: Blackburn 1-0 Everton (Premier League)

Even though Everton is in the top division, Rovers have proven they can handle pressure, particularly at home.

Predicted Lineups

Blackburn Rovers (4-2-3-1):

Pears; Alibiyosu, Hyam, Wharton, Batty; Tavares, Travis; De Neve, Gallagher, Morton; Szmodics

Everton FC (4-2-3-1):

Travers; O’Brien, Keane, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Alcaraz, Garner; Armstrong, Iroegbunam, McNeil; Beto

Tactical Breakdown & Key Battles

Midfield Duel: Travis & Tavares vs. Alcaraz & Garner

The midfield battle will be crucial. Blackburn’s energetic duo of Travis and Tavares will aim to disrupt Everton’s rhythm, while Alcaraz and Garner offer composure and progression.

Wide Play: McNeil & Armstrong vs. Brittain & Ribeiro

With his inventiveness on the opposing flank, Young Armstrong can really make a difference, and Dwight McNeil will be vital in challenging Blackburn's defense.

The Striker Watch: Beto vs. Szmodics

Everton’s Beto is expected to start, while Rovers will rely on Szmodics for link-up play and goals. Both players are physical and can impact the scoreboard.

Analysis: What to Expect from Both Sides

Blackburn Rovers—Fit, Sharp, and Cohesive

Blackburn appears to be ahead in preseason prep. Their win against Accrington and home advantage could make them dangerous. Their defense is solid, and they’re starting to find consistency up front.

Everton—Rebuilding, but With Quality

While still lacking rhythm and missing key players, Everton possesses superior talent. Moyes will use this match to refine his squad and test tactical flexibility, possibly experimenting with a press-heavy 4-2-3-1.

Statistics Snapshot

Blackburn Rovers: 4W, 1D in the last 5 games

• Last Meeting: 3-0 Victory against Everton (2018)

• Eight goals in the last three home games (championship)

Everton FC: 3W, 2D in the last 5 games

Preseason Goals Scored: 8 Preseason Goals Given Up: 9

Player to Watch: Thierno Barry (Everton)

Although unlikely to feature in this game, Thierno Barry remains Everton’s marquee signing so far. The 22-year-old is a dynamic striker with pace and power, and fans eagerly await his Premier League debut.

Match Prediction: Blackburn 1-1 Everton

Preseason games are notoriously difficult to call—rotation, exhaustion, and strategies all play important roles. Given Blackburn's sharpness and Everton's lack of coherence, a draw appears the most likely conclusion.

Correct Score Tip: 1-1 Draw

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Form vs. Firepower

Ismaël going forward has been gathering momentum and has shown several glimpses of the possibility of good things. Everton, by means of their squad depth, seem to be stuck in a transition with Moyes tinkering away at his suspected 'best eleven' with the club. The possibilities of winning for either side in this friendly are equal, but fans can expect a very competitive preseason encounter with high intensity that offers both clubs essential insight into their preparation for the next season.