Everton predictions: Toffees set for another tense campaign
Everton overcame an eight-point deduction to retain their Premier League status with ease in 2023-24 but their final season at Goodison Park could be another nervy one for Toffees supporters.
- Survival the priority for Toffees in final season at Goodison Park
- Only bottom club Sheffield United scored fewer goals last season
- Recommended bet: Everton to be relegated
Everton are hoping to mark their last season at Goodison Park in style before moving to a new stadium at the start of the 2025-26 campaign.
However, off-field uncertainty is not helping the Toffees' cause and Sean Dyche's first priority is avoiding relegation to the Championship.
Last season
Everton took just one point from their first five matches in 2023-24, losing to nil against Fulham, Aston Villa, Wolves and Arsenal.
Their top-flight status looked in peril in November when they were handed a 10-point deduction, later reduced on appeal, but they responded positively to that punishment.
A run of four straight victories to nil in December, against Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, Chelsea and Burnley, eased their relegation worries before a 13-game winless run pulled them back into danger.
The Toffees delighted their supporters by winning their last five home matches without conceding a goal, including a memorable 2-0 derby win over Liverpool, and they would have finished 12th rather than 15th without their eight-point penalty.
Manager
Former Burnley boss Sean Dyche was appointed as Everton manager in January 2023, securing the Toffees' top-flight status on the final day of the 2022-23 season.
His defensive organisation and man-management steered Everton through a tumultuous 2023-24 campaign but he needs to improve his side's attacking fluency.
Transfers
Marseille forward Iliman Ndiaye and Lyon centre-back Jake O'Brien have been Everton's major signings this summer, but classy Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana was snapped up by Aston Villa.
Ben Godfrey and Lewis Dobbin have also been sold, while England defender Jarrad Branthwaite is reportedly a target for Manchester United.
The club may be tempted to cash in on striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is in the final year of his contract.
Strengths and weaknesses
Put simply, Everton's strength is defence and their weakness is attack.
Only the top three conceded fewer goals than the Toffees' 51 last season but only bottom club Sheffield United scored fewer than their tally of 40.
If Branthwaite stays, then England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford should again rack up plenty of clean sheets and 11 of Everton's 13 league wins in 2023-24 were to nil.
A lack of creativity remains a major concern. Winger Dwight McNeil registered six assists in the league last term but none of his teammates managed more than three.
Best outright bet
Everton's shortage of attacking quality and the club's off-field problems mean it is hard to be confident about their chances in 2024-25.
Their relegation odds are certainly more tempting than their price to make the top half, although points deductions for various clubs could be a big factor in the battle to avoid the drop.
The Toffees have not bought particularly well in recent years and they may struggle to find adequate replacements if Branthwaite or Calvert-Lewin depart late in the transfer window.
Seven of last term's 13 wins came against teams in the bottom five and, despite Dyche's defensive nous, they are likely to be scrapping at the wrong end of the table again.
