After four wins from their first five league games, Everton fans would be forgiven for dreaming big about the upcoming Premier League season.

However, it hasn’t quite been plain sailing since then for the Toffees under new manager Ronald Koeman, who replaced the sacked Roberto Martinez in the summer.

Koeman’s men have won just one of their last seven league games, and have suffered disappointing defeats to Burnley, Bournemouth, and Chelsea.

The 5-0 loss to Antonio Conte’s Blues was a stark reminder that Koeman still had some way to go to get his Everton team where he wants them, although his decision to play a back three at Stamford Bridge is probably not one he’ll repeat any time soon.

Nonetheless, the Toffees are seventh in the table, level on points with Manchester United, and travel to Koeman’s old club Southampton on Sunday looking for their first away league win since September 12.

Everton’s stuttering form has increased speculation about who Koeman may look to sign in January, with certain areas of the pitch in need of strengthening.

Koeman has at times utilised a 4-3-3 formation this season, so here is the dream Everton front three, including one key January target…

LW – Yannick Bolasie

Yannick Bolasie made the move from Crystal Palace to Merseyside in the summer, and he’s made a solid start to his Everton career.

The 27-year-old has scored once and laid on four assists in the Premier League this season, and is playing with the same sort of pace and power that secured him a big money move to Goodison Park.

With Romelu Lukaku in the more central attacking role, Bolasie always has somebody to aim at from out wide and, as has been proved at times this season, when these two are in-form and on the same wavelength, they are a nightmare to defend against.

ST – Romelu Lukaku

One of the best strikers in the Premier League, Romelu Lukaku continues to torment defences with his all round ability in the forward role.

The 23-year-old has netted 12 times for club and country this season, and his seven goals for Everton has given them a platform to perhaps go on and secure a European place come May.

The biggest test will come in January where the Belgian international is likely to attract interest, but if Koeman and co can hold firm and see out the window, then Lukaku’s presence upfront will give them a huge boost going into the second half of the season.

RW – Rachid Ghezzal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktxZNft9cSw

The other facet of this front three could be Lyon winger Rachid Ghezzal, who has been heavily linked with a move to Merseyside in recent months.

The 24-year-old initially turned down the Toffees in the summer to remain at the French outfit, but he looks no nearer to signing a new deal with Lyon, and so is likely to consider his options in January.

Consequently, a move to Everton could be on the cards for a winger who netted 10 times and laid on eight assists for the French club last season.

A tricky winger who is always looking to take defenders on, Ghezzal has struggled a bit this term, but a new lease of life at Goodison Park could be what he needs to recreate last season’s excellent form.