CHESTER CITY face the sternest test of their pre-season campaign tonight when a near full-strength Everton squad visit the Deva Stadium.
City are unbeaten in their opening three friendly matches, but Everton will prove a totally different proposition than the opening trio of games against North Wales opposition.
Chester manager Mark Wright is relishing the prospect of facing the Blues, and he said: "This game will be a step up for my players and whilst it is only a pre-season friendly it will be intriguing to see how the lads fare against Premiership squad players.
"We have tried to improve the quality of opposition in our pre-season planning and obviously this game is a further step forward in that process.
"But, as I've said many times before, the most important result is the one that we achieve on the opening day of the Conference League season, but it would be a real plus if we can win this one."
Wright has a concern surrounding the fitness of striker Michael Twiss, who sustained an ankle injury during training last week, and missed City's last outing at Bangor City on Saturday.
One player who could be involved this evening is the former Southport midfielder Lee Elam, who is currently on trial at the Deva Stadium. Elam played for the reserves at Colwyn Bay on Monday night and could be in line for a step up to first team action.
Steve Harkness, who has only been back in training for two weeks, could also be utilised at some part during the game this evening.
CHESTER CITY (from): W Brown, Harkness, Ruffer, Bolland, Hatswell, McIntyre, Kelly, Blackburn, Carey, Brodie, Elam, Whittaker, Beesley, Cameron, Twiss, M Brown, Carden, Woodyatt, O'Brien.
