LIVE: Everton v Burnley
The Spaniard is wary of the physical threat that a battle-hardened Burnley possess in the Premier League and labelled the visitors as a 'dangerous team'.
In his pre-match press conference, the ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid boss said: "It's a strong team, they're physically very strong, they know each other really well, they know the manager and how they want to play.
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Hide Ad"The strikers are strong, good in the air, [Dwight] McNeil has a good left foot, good deliveries; all these players have known each other for a while and they know how they play. They're a very dangerous team to play against."
Burnley won the last meeting 2-1 in Merseyside as Chris Wood and McNeil opened up a two-goal cushion before Dominic Calvert-Lewin hit back for the Toffees.
Benitez was operating in the Chinese Super League at the time, but knows from experience just how tough it is to go up against Sean Dyche's side.
He was in charge of Newcastle United during the 2018-19 campaign, guiding the Magpies to a couple of wins over the Clarets.
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Hide AdIn his programme notes, he added: "We welcome Sean Dyche and the staff and players of Burnley.
"Everybody knows about Sean’s excellent work for his club over many years and every manager will tell you how difficult it is to play against his team.
"They are focused and prepared for everything. We know the game can be physical but Burnley have some quick and talented players who will be ready for any mistakes."
RECAP: Everton 3 Burnley 1
Key Events
- The Clarets won the last meeting at Goodison Park 2-1
- Chris Wood and Dwight McNeil were on the scoresheet in March
- The Toffees have won half of their 14 Premier League meetings with Burnley — who have won six
- Sean Dyche’s side have taken maximum points in two of their last four visits to Goodison Park
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored in three successive league appearances against Burnley
- Burnley have won just four of their last 22 games in the Premier League
- Chris Wood has been involved in 12 of Burnley’s last 16 league goals — with nine goals and three assists
- Skipper Ben Mee could make his 200th Premier League appearance for the Clarets
- Dwight McNeil is in contention to make his 100th Premier League appearance for Burnley
- Lawro’s Prediction: Everton 2 Burnley 0
Pickford saves
Wood does impeccably to keep the ball alive, pulling a high ball down at the byline, and crosses. Barnes gets a touch, tees up Brownhill, but the midfielder fires straight at Pickford.
Mee wins the header
The Burnley skipper challenges for Westwood’s corner with Godfrey and heads the ball just wide at the back post.
Corner for the Clarets
Wood flicks Lowton’s cross goalwards, the effort takes a touch off Mina and sails over the bar.
Big chance for Burnley
McNeil delivers a beautiful cross from deep but Wood can’t quite get his head to the ball from six yards out.
Will Burnley fans get a sighting of summer signing?
The Ivorian will be assessed ahead of Monday night’s trip to Everton
New Burnley signing Maxwel Cornet to be assessed ahead of Everton clash
New signing Maxwel Cornet will be assessed over the weekend ahead of Monday night's trip to Everton.
Here’s Lawro’s prediction
Pools panel says, ‘home win’.
Mark Lawrenson reveals Burnley concerns and makes Everton scoreline prediction
Burnley will look to emerge from the international break with a positive result on Monday night, when they travel to take on Everton at Goodison Park.
Boss Sean Dyche labels star man a ‘breath of fresh air’ ahead of PL milestone
“He’s a great credit to himself and his family the way he conducts himself, the way he is as a player.”
Burnley boss Sean Dyche on “breath of fresh air” Dwight McNeil ahead of 100th Premier League appearance
Dwight McNeil is in line for his 100th Premier League appearance on Monday night - at the scene of one of his finest hours.
Former pro says Burnley star would be ‘perfect’ fit for rivals
“He [McNeil] fits the bill for Everton with what he brings.”
'Fits the bill' - Sky Sports pundit claims Burnley star would be 'perfect' signing for PL rivals
Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie has claimed that Burnley winger Dwight McNeil would be a “perfect” signing for Everton.
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson lauds ‘unbelievable’ Burnley
“They stay up and they do well because of the way they play and because everybody knows their jobs.”
'Unbelievable' - Paul Merson responds to Jeff Stelling's 'small miracle' Burnley claim
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has hailed the “unbelievable” job that Burnley continue to perform in the Premier League considering the size of their transfer budget.
Dwight McNeil reacts to Everton interest
“It’s always nice when other clubs take notice, but the main thing is that everyone here rates me very highly, which is always nice.
“I’m still a Burnley player, nothing has changed. I’ve got to give my all, everything I have to Burnley.”
Burnley's Dwight McNeil reacts to interest from Everton manager Rafa Benitez ahead of Premier League clash at Goodison Park
Dwight McNeil has made quite an impression on Everton manager Rafa Benitez.
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