Season Preview: Will Everton close the gap on the top-6?

Previous season 

Ronald Koeman enjoyed a respectable debut campaign as Everton manager, securing a 7th-placed finish in the Premier League last season. As such the Toffees’ season started last month with a Europa League qualifier against Ruzomberok, which means they are ahead of their Premier League rivals in terms of competitive match fitness coming into the campaign. Everton finished just six points behind Manchester United in 6th last term and a whopping 15 points above Southampton and Bournemouth in 8th and 9th, respectively, so the aim now is to pull further from the latter duo and close the gap on the top-6. 

A welcome of Stoke City on Saturday is the ideal warm up for Everton, though Koeman may have one eye trained on next week’s Europa League playoff meeting with Hajduk Split.  

Transfer summary 

Everton have been busy in the transfer market bringing in no fewer than seven new faces, though one of those is Wayne Rooney who returns to Merseyside after his departure for Manchester United in 2004. Jordan Pickford improves Koeman’s goalkeeper options, Michael Keane and Cuco Martina bolster the defence, Devy Klaassen adds another creative threat to the XI, while Sandro Ramirez and Henry Onyekeru, who has been loaned to Anderlecht, boosts the attack. Gylfi Sigurdsson is still being linked with a move to Goodison Park as Koeman looks to improve his side. The big departure is Romelu Lukaku, who has moved to United, with his goalscoring quality needing to be replicated. Gerard Deulofeu and Tom Cleverley have departed permanently, while Ross Barkley’s future is yet to be resolved, with the England international pushing for a summer move. 

One to watch - Morgan Schneiderlin 

After his arrival from Manchester United in January, Morgan Schneiderlin went on to make 12 league starts for Everton, though after a full pre-season for the Toffees, the Frenchman can expect to come in as a first team regular for the new season. As cliched a term as it may be, Schneiderlin will feel like a new signing for Everton this term, with his defensive resolve crucial in the middle of the park. A willingness to perform the nitty gritty duties is key in allowing the more attacking players the chance to express themselves in the final third and he could be the Toffees' most important midfielder in their bid to secure a top-6 finish. 

Predicted finish - 7th 

Everton have spent and spent well this summer, bringing in players in key areas of the pitch. They may be enough to close the gap on those above them, but it may take another year for fans to see the new-look side performing at their best, with 7th a most likely finish for the Merseyside outfit.