Everton's first team squad have had an extra week to prepare for the home game with West Ham United.
The extended break following the postponement of the trip to Arsenal has given time for Abdoulaye Doucoure, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and James Garner to bring themselves into contention for Sunday's fixture at Goodison Park. It has also given additional opportunities for the likes of new signings Idrissa Gueye, Neal Maupay and Garner to integrate at Finch Farm.
Ahead of tomorrow's match, Everton released highlights of a training session overseen by Frank Lampard and his backroom staff with fitness, possession and finishing all high on the agenda. Here are a few things we picked up from the footage.
READ MORE: Mohammed Kudus is proof that Everton are addressing their biggest transfer problem
READ MORE: Frank Lampard shares Allan 'reality' and makes Everton transfer admission
Gordon and Onana all smiles as they compete for pride
Anthony Gordon and Amadou Onana are seen battling each other on more than one occasion as they take part in fitness drills at the start of the session. The two 21-year-olds compete for pride during sprints - with Gordon claiming victory in their first duel and turning to Onana to tell him: "I won." Onana's scepticism is clear as he laughs off Gordon's triumph. In the next sprint the pair are busy concentrating on each other only to then watch as Gueye steals a march on them both.
Davies impresses on the ball
Tom Davies has had a good start to the season and almost sealed a glorious Merseyside derby moment only to see his first-half effort rebound off the post. The central midfielder looks good in the latest training images - and earns the praise of James Tarkowski in a possession drill in which he springs a move with a lovely reverse ball. Tarkowski, in the running to pick up the captain's armband with Jordan Pickford currently out injured, acknowledges Davies' vision by sticking a thumb up and telling him well done. Moments later, Davies is in the thick of the action again and earns the plaudits of the watching Lampard.
Calvert-Lewin and others back in action
Lampard has confirmed Calvert-Lewin is in contention for a starting place against West Ham and given positive updates on Doucoure and Garner, both of whom are available for the matchday squad. All three are shown in action as they train with the first team. Everton will be hoping Calvert-Lewin can hit the ground running with the Blues having missed his clinical edge in their opening six games of the Premier League season. He will have a fortnight to build on any minutes he gets this weekend as the domestic season halts for the international break. Then Calvert-Lewin will have his sights firmly set on pushing for a role in England's World Cup squad. After a year dominated by injury he will need to find form quickly - but if he does it will be Everton, as well as England, who benefit.
The 'secret goalscorer'
If Calvert-Lewin and new signing Maupay struggle to find goals this season, Everton may have stumbled across an unexpected option. Michael Keane has shown glimpses of his goalscoring prowess with the Blues - most notably his brilliant finish to kickstart Everton's dramatic - and crucial - comeback against Crystal Palace back in May. He is on top form in this training session too, showing his ruthless edge in front of goal by poking in a clever left footed finish, hammering home via the inside of the far post with his right foot and then slotting in two more from the edge of the box.
READ MORE:
- David Moyes makes bold Frank Lampard claim and shares verdict on Everton transfer target
- Everton handed transfer challenge over forward who doesn't like to be compared with Neymar
- Everton and England working together on Jordan Pickford as Frank Lampard shares injury concern
- Richarlison makes Everton 'ambition' claim as forward explains reasons for Tottenham transfer
- Andros Townsend gives Everton injury update and makes 'best shape' claim