Everton take on Leeds United at Elland Road at 15:00 (GMT) on Saturday, before playing against La Liga Villarreal 24 hours later at Goodison Park for Duncan Ferguson's testimonial. Roberto Martinez has spoken to evertontv about the Toffees' double-header this weekend.

His comments included the priority of ensuring that the players are up to "speed" ahead of the Premier League opener at home to Watford next Saturday and also giving the academy players another chance to impress.

Playing Time

The double-header will see Everton field two different sides in order to give each member of the first-team squad at least 90 minutes of game time ahead of the new season.

Martinez said that the two friendlies in as many days will be "perfect" and "complete what has been a very successful period" in terms of getting the player's physical levels up to speed ahead of the start of the new season.

Academy Players

A number of academy players played a part in the Toffee's 2-0 win over Dundee in midweek. Kieran Dowell and Conor McAleny particularly impressed along with defenders Brendan Galloway and Tyias Browning.

Martinez said that the academy is something that the club takes "real pride in" and that the Merseyside club "always keep a close eye on the development of our youngsters." Some of the academy players will be given another opportunity to stake their claim for a place in the Everton squad for the upcoming season this weekend.

"It's having the opportunities at times and taking the opportunities. We are hoping to have a lot of youngsters in the next few weeks working with the first-team and hopefully over the season we have many more youngsters participating with the first team environment", Martinez added.

Duncan Ferguson's Testimonial

Sunday's match is against La Liga side Villarreal for Everton legend Duncan Ferguson's testimonial to celebrate the former Blues' forward's 14 years of service to Everton as both player and coach.

Roberto Martinez also acknowledged that Sunday is a "big footballing event" and "a special moment that we all want to saviour."