Coverage of Exeter vs Everton 10/08/2025
13:30
David Jones (DJ): The Premier League got back underway yesterday in incredible fashion yesterday, with 33 goals in just seven games. Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United were all big victors yesterday, can Liverpool make a similar start to the season? They play newly promoted Newcastle at home later, but first, one of the most intriguing matches of the weekend, as Exeter City play their first ever Premier League game, at home to Everton. We have Roy Keane, Alex Scott and Graeme Souness watching in the studio with us today. Alex, any surprises looking at the Exeter line-up today?
Alex Scott (AS): It looks like they've both gone for a similar sort of shape. Exeter have left Roberto Lopez on the bench, with new signing from Lanus, Gaston Lodico, taking his place. Also was surprised to see Tom James sign Dani Carvajal from Real Madrid, he's made a habit of signing young players with bags of potential, such as Niccolo Del Vecchio, who makes his debut at left back today. Exeter fans will like that Rob Burton is starting today, he came through the academy during James's first season, and now 21, he makes his first appearance in the top flight.
DJ: And what about Everton, Roy? They finished 11th last season, do you think they could surprise people this year?
Roy Keane (RK): (sighs) In short, no. They've made some really really uninspiring signings I think. Okay, this Carlo Greco fella did well for Lille last year, but how many times have we seen a big striker do well in France and then not live up to the hype in England. £20 million is a lot of money for an uncapped player, even in today's day and age. And that's their best signing I think. £18.75 million on Jagiello, the guy's 28 and has scored, what, nine goals in his career? Absolutely ludicrous.
DJ: (laughs) Well I can see that the summer break has really mellowed you out. Graeme, how do you see Exeter doing in this one?
Graeme Souness (GS): It's always difficult to tell. My worry is the defence with Exeter. Branthwaite and Jin-Wook are undoubtedly talented, but they're also both very young. I think James did the right thing in trying to sign Lascelles from Newcastle, but that broke down for whatever reason. But he doesn't seem to have tried to sign another experienced centre back. He bought in Rodri, a young centre back from Granada, but I feel they could have done with that leadership. Carvajal could be a good signing, although he barely played for Real Madrid last season, I hope he can keep up with the style of play James wants to play. It does looks like they've strengthened in attack though. I'm interested to see Marco Brunetti if he comes on today. He chose Exeter over clubs like Juventus, Bayern Munich and Lyon after he left Pescara for free, so he's obviously got something about him. Scored a hatful of goals in Serie B last season, will be interesting to see if he plays alongside Chapman long term.
DJ: Well we have Tom James here right now, let's here from him, Tom hello!
Tom James (TJ): Hi there David.
DJ: Tom, a massive day for you here, can you tell us anything about your line-up today?
TJ: Sure thing. We had been planning to play Roberto Lopez as the 10 today, but he had a bit of a knock in training yesterday, so he's only really fit enough for the bench. But Gaston has trained well, and I have every confidence he can have a great debut here today. We decided to give Del Vecchio a debut from the start too, Stephen Sessegnon isn't quite match fit yet. And Dani is an amazing football with a wealth of experience and ability, I have faith that he can help us in so many ways this season.
DJ: You're playing at Ashton Gate this season, do you think that'll have any effect on the players?
TJ: Obviously we'd like to be playing our home games in Exeter, and we appreciate that having to do a two hour round trip every other weekend to see us play isn't ideal for the fans. But I believe that the board are making plans to extend St James's Park, and we hope that soon we'll be able to bring Premier League football to Devon properly. I think the players should be fine, it's obviously a much bigger stadium, but we're used to playing in front of big crowds these days.
DJ: I'll let you go in a minute, but can you tell us briefly what you want to achieve this season?
TJ: We're under no illusions that this is going to be a difficult season, but I think we've definitely got enough to stay up. If we can avoid getting dragged into a relegation battle this year, that'll be good enough for me.
DJ: Tom thank you, and good luck.
13:55
DJ: Well as we can see the players getting ready in the tunnel, we'll pass you over to today's commentators, Martin Tyler and Jamie Carragher.
Martin Tyler (MT): Thank you David. And what a moment this is for Tom James and Exeter City. They've become one of the most talked about sides in England this summer, and now is the time to live up to the hype. With Lopez on the bench, it's Niccolo Zanellato who leads the side out today for their first ever Premier League game. Jamie, what are you looking forward to seeing today?
Jamie Carragher (JC): As a Liverpool fan, I'm looking forward to seeing how Harvey Elliott does today. Ya know, he's had a few great seasons in the Championship, but this is his first Premier League game since he was at Fulham seven years ago, so big test for him today. Also will be interesting to see how Branthwaite does against his former club. It must have hurt him that Everton didn't want to offer him a new contract, particularly after he performed so well on loan at Exeter last year. He could really prove a point today if he manages to keep a clean sheet.
MT: Well we'll have all the action coming up for you shortly on our first Super Sunday of the season, AND IT'S LIVE.