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

GOAL: Everton 2 Burnley 1

It’s a stunning finish from Townsend, who picks out the top corner from 25 yards out. Brownhill gave the ball away in the middle of the park, Taylor failed to apply pressure on the ball, and Burnley are punished.

GOAL: Everton 1 Burnley 1

Michael Keane equalises against his former club. The defender wasn’t picked up by Barnes or Wood and converted Townsend’s cross at the near post.

GOAL: Everton 1 Burnley 0

Ben Mee heads in from close range from Gudmundsson’s cross.

Townsend goes into the book for a foul on Taylor.

Brownhill yellow-carded for dragging down Townsend.

Everton 0 Burnley 0

The crowd thought it was in...

Coleman, from an offside position, squares the ball to Gray, who turns the ball wide at the near post. VAR would certainly have intervened if the ball had hit the back of the net.

Pope makes a fine one-handed save at the other end as Doucoure gets a shot away on goal.

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.

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