LIVE: Everton v Burnley

Everton manager Rafa Benitez has identified Burnley's strengths ahead of Monday night's game at Goodison Park.
Burnley's English midfielder Dwight McNeil (L) and Burnley's New Zealand striker Chris Wood celebrate the second goal during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Burnley at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on March 13, 2021.Burnley's English midfielder Dwight McNeil (L) and Burnley's New Zealand striker Chris Wood celebrate the second goal during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Burnley at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on March 13, 2021.
Burnley's English midfielder Dwight McNeil (L) and Burnley's New Zealand striker Chris Wood celebrate the second goal during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Burnley at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on March 13, 2021.

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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"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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In 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

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

Here’s Lawro’s prediction

Pools panel says, ‘home win’.

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.”

Former pro says Burnley star would be ‘perfect’ fit for rivals

“He [McNeil] fits the bill for Everton with what he brings.”

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