Everton under-23s will face local non-league outfit Runcorn Town at Finch Farm this weekend.
David Unsworth and his side were originally scheduled to take on Wigan Athletic u-23s - managed by former striker Nick Chadwick - but the financially-struck Latics later informed the hosts they would not be able to send a team.
Runcorn compete eight divisions below the Premier League in the North West Counties Premier Division and are currently preparing for their FA Cup preliminary round fixture on September 1st.
"We are pretty much in the middle of our pre-season now and we need to start building ourselves up for our first competitive game," manager Paul McManus said. "I feel we have a great squad already and it will be good to gauge where we are upto on Saturday."
"I'd like to thank Everton for hosting us in what will hopefully be a great game of football. Finch Farm is an amazing complex and it will be fantastic for the lads who are selected to play on a surface that is world class.
"I just wish we could take all the lads that we have had over the last few weeks, but it's up to those who miss out to work hard and ensure that they are in the squad next time such a game comes around."
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