Overview
- A deal announced Tuesday between Preston and Everton confirmed the Carabao Cup first-round tie against Huddersfield will be played at Goodison Park on Saturday 8 August with a 3pm kick-off.
- Preston applied for and received EFL permission to move the fixture because they are installing a hybrid pitch at Deepdale and do not want to risk the new surface before league games.
- Club statements and coverage say the pitch work is an investment reported at more than £1.5 million and is scheduled to be complete in time for Preston’s home league game against Wolves on 22 August.
- Everton’s men will not be involved in the match because their first team is on pre-season duty in Germany on the same day, and Huddersfield captain Ryan Ledson has a personal tie to Everton after coming through their academy.
- Goodison has hosted Everton Women and youth matches since the men’s team left and the temporary move highlights how historic stadiums can be reused while clubs upgrade playing surfaces.