Premier League fixtures mark the path as Everton seek squad improvements

For the 20 clubs that will be competing this season, the release of the 2023-24 Premier League fixture list is often cause for excitement and intrigue among fans, looking forward to how the upcoming campaign will unfold. But will Everton fans be faced with more tension, or might this be a more promising campaign?

Based upon the consistent struggles in recent years, oddsmakers are already predicting another tough season ahead for the Toffees, including those offering markets to Premier League audiences around the world. According to the latest New Zealand best betting offers with bet365, short 3/1 odds for the 2023-24 campaign place Everton firmly among the potential relegation candidates.

The current odds for Everton could also change over the next couple of months, perhaps even taking on a more favourable outlook regarding Premier League safety chances, although that will inevitably be shaped by any optimism surrounding new signings. This will undoubtedly be key for Dyche as he seeks to strengthen the squad, hopefully with adequate backing from the board.

In the meantime, all we can do is wait patiently for player deals to be signed and sealed. Clearing out those who are surplus to requirements has already begun, with goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and centre-back Yerry Mina just two of several departing as free agents. All eyes will now be focused on the incoming arrivals, albeit in the midst of what is expected to be a very complicated summer transfer window.

Clearly, everyone involved will be hoping to avoid repeating the struggles of the last two seasons. Everton finished the 2021-22 campaign in 16th position and 4 points above the drop zone, while the 2022-23 season concluded with even more angst. The team narrowly avoided relegation by just 2 points, thanks to clinching a vital 1-0 win at home against Bournemouth on the final day.

Were it not for that last throw of the dice and securing a winning outcome, the Toffees might otherwise be preparing for life in the EFL Championship this season, instead of Leicester City. Thankfully, that frightening worst-case scenario was narrowly avoided. Keen to turn the page, fans will undoubtedly hope Everton can steer clear of walking the same tightrope again, during an equally demanding 2023-24 campaign.

Heading into what will be the first full season in charge of Sean Dyche, the Toffees begin the 2023-24 campaign at home against Fulham on 12th August, followed on the 19th by an away trip to Aston Villa. The month of August concludes with another home clash on the 26, as Everton host Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Always underlined on the calendar of Merseyside football fans, the first derby of the season is provisionally set for 21st October, with Liverpool hosting that clash at Anfield. The return game at Goodison Park is pencilled in for 16th March 2024, although that could change, depending on cup fixtures and TV scheduling.

The official Everton FC website has published the full 2023-24 Premier League fixture list, while the club has already confirmed several pre-season games, providing Dyche with the opportunity to prepare his team for the challenges to come. Those games will undoubtedly help towards getting the squad ready, as the boss aims for a marked improvement in overall performance levels.

The friendly rivals confirmed include FC Stade Nyonnais, Tranmere Rovers, Wigan Athletic, Bolton Wanderers, and Stoke City, pending any further announcements. While the results in friendly matches can always be taken with a pinch of salt, these games may give fans an early indication of what they might expect, ahead of the serious competition getting underway in August.

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