Everton Under-23s will start their Premier League 2 campaign at Blackburn Rovers on Monday 16 August – with the season’s first mini-derby following seven days later.

David Unsworth’s team, in tremendous pre-season form with 14 goals in three games – striker Lewis Dobbin (pictured) responsible for half that haul – go to newly-promoted Crystal Palace on Friday 27 August.

There is an appetising fixture on 24 September when Manchester United visit Southport, while Everton’s first meeting with champions Manchester City is scheduled for the same location on 7 November.

Everton play their final match before Christmas away at Leeds United on 20 December and resume their season on 10 January at home against Crystal Palace.

The return derby contest is penned in for 16 January.

Manager Unsworth led his side to the Premier League 2 title in 2016/17 and 2018/19.

They are set for 26 fixtures in the 14-strong elite division in the forthcoming campaign, finishing at Manchester City on 29 April.

Leeds United came up as Premier League 2 Division 2 winners and Everton’s home meeting with the Yorkshire side will happen on 18 October.

Everton’s opening match at Blackburn will take place at the Championship club’s Ewood Park home, kicking off at 7pm, with Selhurst Park due to stage the Blues’ visit to Premier League Palace 11 days later.

The opening derby clash is set for Southport, with a 7pm start.

FOR A FULL LIST OF EVERTON UNDER-23S' 2021/22 PREMIER LEAGUE 2 FIXTURES CLICK HERE