Will Everton and Roberto Martinez be contenders or pretenders this season?

I really hope that the Chelsea game can kick-start our season. The way we chased and harassed them and broke quickly was reminiscent of Martinez's first season in charge. If we can follow that formula, then we can have a good season; if we revert to type and allow tippy-tappy shite to take hold again, then we shall struggle. I guess we shall know in the next few weeks. Watch this space!!

We currently have Gibson, Cleverley and now Besic injured, plus Oviedo and Baines who both could probably play DM in a pinch. Osman and Pienaar don’t have much left it seems, but can both do a job for 45 minutes, occasionally.

I guess we could push Jags or even Stones forward into DM but it wouldn’t be as effective as Barry (for example) imho. Not sure Ledson is ready, Kenny is out on loan, and I don’t think anyone wants Barkley pulled back from the #10 role.

I see a potential problem there, as we had last season when Barry looked tired / was inevitably suspended, and/or McCarthy looked tired / injured, and the fear is exacerbated by current injuries to the squad.

Aside: The #10 role can be filled by Barkley, Osman, Mirallas, maybe Cleverley or Pienaar, and we should wait and buy the right for rather than jumping at any #10 that an agent puts a price tag on.

Otherwise I am reasonably happy with the squad we have and its potential, especially for the money we have to spend.

There were mitigating circumstances at Spurs with the game coming less than 72 hours after we had played 120 minutes at Barnsley. Gareth Barry will play fewer games this season in order to keep him fresh.

We should definitely be more consistent in the league this season and, with a bit of luck, at long last be able to win the League Cup.

The hallmark of a good side is consistency, hopefully we put a big effort in and carry on what has been a good start to the season, and grab another win.

We know we have talent and a pretty good age/experience mix. We'll get better and better as the season goes on.

I'll go with Contenders.

I still have major doubts about the manager’s ability and consistency. If I remember correctly, Wigan would get a tremendous result then fall apart next game.

For me the jury is still out on the manager but we will find out this season.

A cup win would provide a good platform for this young team to develop further. Instilling a winning mentality and helping to keep the team together.

Man City, Arsenal and probably Chelsea will take the top 3 spots (I don’t buy into the hype that Chelsea are finished) but that last spot is definitely up for grabs. Liverpool are shit (obviously), Man Utd still haven’t strengthened where they need to, and Tottenham are just being their usual consistently average selves.

We on the other hand have a talented young squad and a manager who seems to be learning from last season's disaster. On the other hand, if we get beat at Swansea, then we’re relegation candidates and Martinez is a clown. ;)