Season Preview - Everton

Last season, Everton surpassed all expectations. Everyone expected them to drop like a stone and finish in the bottom half of the Premier League table (David James even said they would finish 16^th but then again, what does he know?) but they didn’t, Everton enjoyed a fantastic campaign finishing 5^th with a record points tally and a new style of football. Everton now play fast, attacking football and as an Evertonian I believe that we are progressing massively and we are ready to make our mark on Europe and the Premier League.

Transfers

Everton had an up and down transfer window last season. Before deadline day they seemed an average side as they had signed Gerard Deulofeu, Arouna Kone, Antolin Alcaraz and Joel Robles, none of whom managed to secure a consistent starting place in the team or indeed make their mark. However, when deadline day came, Everton became a force again. The club signed James McCarthy, a quality Irish central midfielder who could run 5 marathons and still not be tired, Romelu Lukaku, an impressive young Belgian whose goalscoring record is fantastic for someone of his age and Gareth Barry, a veteran midfielder who is used to playing at the highest level and offers a variety of passing with an eye for goal too.

This season has been completely different. Everton may have secured Gareth Barry permanently but other than that, they have failed to really make a mark on the transfer window. Luckily for Everton, they have now signed Muhamed Besic (official announcement soon) and are close to announcing deals for Belgian starlet David Henen and MK Dons wonderkid Brendan Galloway. Evertonians may not want to hear this though as the side still need strikers as at the moment their only option up front is injury prone Arouna Kone, someone who failed to impress in his 5 appearances for the club last term.

Predicted Lineup

Everton have a good side but no striker whatsoever. They can play Steven Naismith up front but the reality is that whichever striker or indeed strikers Everton bring in will start. Other than that they do have a really strong side with a good defence and a quality midfield.

Squad Depth

Everton don’t have the best or the worst squad depth in the league but they do need to cope with the demands of Europe so expect them to sign some players that may fit into this back-up category very soon. Everton have an ok goalkeeper backup in Joel, ok defence backup including Stones, Browning and Oviedo, good midfield backup in McGeady, Osman, Gibson and Besic but no forward depth. This is obviously an issue Everton need to address and they probably will before the season starts so keep your eyes peeled.

Final Predicted Finish: 6^th.

As long as Everton address their striker issue, they can finish in a European place again. 6^th may not be as good as 5^th but with Manchester United looking better already under Louis Van Gaal, most teams will find themselves moving down a place as I expect Manchester United to finish inside the top 4.

Predicted Key Player: Ross Barkley.

Ross Barkley is a fantastic young player and providing Everton can keep hold of him, he will be a great player for the Blues next season. With his tremendous passing and his decent shooting ability, I expect Barkley to do the same things he did last season and more, including wonder goals, good passing and all round passion.

Coming up… Hull.

By @nathan_said