Premier League 15/16 Season Preview: Everton

Formed: 1878 Manager: Roberto Martinez Stadium: Goodison Park Capacity: 39,572 Years in Premier League: 23 Last 3 seasons: 2014-15: 11th 2013-14: 5th 2012-13: 6th Best finish: 4^th (2004-05) Opening day fixture: Watford (H), Aug 8 Last day fixture: Norwich City (H), May 15

This season’s aim:

Everton will be looking to hit the ground running this season as they seek to put last year’s thoroughly disappointing Premier League campaign behind them. After finishing 11th, their lowest finish in the top flight since 2006, the Toffees need to regroup and retrace their steps in search of rediscovering the form which had them battling it out amongst the big boys for European football. Forward Romelu Lukaku will be heavily relied upon in attack but the Belgian to struggled for league goals last term, while keeping hold of midfield maestro James McCarthy was a necessity towards the club’s rebuilding program. Additional acquisitions Tom Cleverley and former fan favourite Gerard Deulofeu should also prove popular signings with the fans.No Europa League football will also help the Toffees in their quest to challenge higher up the league once more.

Transfers in:

Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Gerard Deulofeu (Barcelona)

Transfers out:

Antolin Alcaraz (Las Palmas), Sylvain Distin (Bournemouth)

Star Player: James McCarthy

After a bitterly disappointing campaign at Goodison Park, James McCarthy’s displays were one positive that Everton fans could take away from last season. The 24-year-old, who followed boss Roberto Martinez to Merseyside two years ago, scored twice in 37 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees last term. But it was the Republic of Ireland international’s battling displays in the centre of the park that led to him receiving many plaudits come the end of the campaign, alerting the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham. Having brought the midfield maestro with him from former club Wigan Athletic, McCarthy is a vital part of Martinez’s philosophy at Everton in the near future and long-term future.

Shoot’s Everton blogger: Leigh Hough

Blogger’s view: “Given all of the uncertainty surrounding John Stones at the moment (as well as a number of other Everton stars), it is very difficult to give a verdict on where we may place in the Premier League this season. The clubs surrounding us all appear to have strengthened, whilst Everton have done little in the market. We still require the “number 10” that Martinez has been referring to, as well as a centre back and a striker at a minimum, with a useful wide player also seemingly needed. The Toffees have got a good core of a team to build from, and, despite some dodgy performances last year, this eminates from the back-four and goalkeeper, all of whom are extremely capable. I expect Everton to finish in the top half, but given that we don’t know who may be coming in, would be cautious to go beyond that at the time being.”

Blogger’s key man: Ross Barkley

Shoot Says: Top-10 finish