Assessing Everton's Chances for the 2024/25 Premier League Campaign

Everton will say goodbye to the iconic Goodison Park this season. The Blues are leaving the ground that has been their home since 1892 for a brand new stadium built at Bramley Moore Dock. Fans will be hoping for a successful season to bid farewell to the Old Lady in style.

No team has played more seasons in the top-flight of English football though the Toffees have lingered too close to the drop zone in recent years. After three seasons of struggle and uncertainty, can Everton enjoy a relatively stress-free campaign this time around? If you enjoy placing sports bets online at non gamstop betting sites, 1337.games outlines how, enabling you to back the Toffees throughout the season and predict the outcome of games. This article will explore where the club can expect to finish.

The Toffees' Transfers

Everton have been hamstrung by PSR restrictions which resulted in a points deduction last season. Owing to poor recruitment decisions in the past - though the vast majority of football followers question the fairness of the current rules - the Toffees have had to work smart ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. 

Director of Football Kevin Thelwell and manager Sean Dyche have worked astutely to help the Blues remain competitive while ensuring the finances remain sound ahead of the stadium move. 

To boost creativity in the side, Everton have brought in Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille and the Senegal international has experience in English football having spent a combined seven seasons with non-League Boreham Wood and Sheffield United. 

The Toffees have also boosted central midfield with the arrival of Tim Iroegbunam from Aston Villa. Amadou Onana and Lewis Dobbin each went the other way with Belgium international Onana moving for £50m.

Out wide, Jesper Lindstrom has signed on loan from Napoli. The Denmark international endured a stinted spell in Italy though is expected the fans at Goodison having previously shined for Brondby and Eintracht Frankfurt. Jack Harrison has also rejoined for a second successive season on loan from Leeds after making 35 appearances in all competitions last time out.

In defence, Everton have refused to sell Jarrad Branthwaite amid persistent moves from Manchester United and have further strengthened the centre-back position with the arrival of towering Jake O'Brien who has signed from French giants Lyon. Ben Godfrey left the Toffees after four years to sign for Italian Europa League winners Atalanta.

Elsewhere, Neal Maupay returned from his loan spell with Brentford, Andre Gomes departed at the end of his contract while Dele Alli's deal also concluded though the midfielder is still training with Everton as there is potential to stay should he prove his fitness.

Squad Strength and Depth

Everton boasted one of the strongest defences last season with the Blues' England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford earning 13 clean sheets, the second highest tally in the entire Premier League. Branthwaite and James Tarkowski formed a quality centre-back partnership that is reliable and sturdy while left-back Vitalii Mykolenko is another reliable operator.

Right-back however, is not as clear-cut. While young Nathan Patterson is injured, it remains to be seen if he is truly trusted by Dyche while club icon Seamus Coleman turns 36 in October and has his own fitness issues. Then there is Ashley Young, who can be utilised in both full-back positions. Having turned 39 during the summer, Young is a vastly experienced player though some of his erratic decision-making goes against that notion.

In midfield, Idrissa Gana Gueye, James Garner and Abdoulaye Doucoure will all have important roles to play while Dwight McNeil continues to play with a consistency which has seen many highlight him as an important player.

Many of Everton's struggles between 2021 and 2023 were as a result of lacking a centre forward presence during Dominic Calvert-Lewin's spell on the sidelines. While the number nine is capable of 15 to 20 goals in a season uninterrupted by injury, his absences hurt the side with no back ups capable of leading the line. However, the Toffees rectified the oversight last summer with the signings of Beto and Youssef Chermiti and Dyche now has choices to make upfront from the bench as he bids to enhance Everton's 'goals for' tally.

Everton's Fixtures and Goodison Farewell

It will be a momentous campaign as Everton leave Goodison Park and with the visit of Brighton kicking off the season, the Toffees also host Crystal Palace and Bournemouth and will be expected put points on the board. During the opening weeks, Dyche's side also travel to Tottenham, Aston Villa and Leicester.

During the Christmas period, the Merseysiders host Chelsea before travelling to champions Manchester City on Boxing Day. They then face Nottingham Forest in the final game of 2024 and then head to Bournemouth.

In May, the final month in the story of Goodison Park, Everton will welcome Ipswich before the final ever fixture at the famous ground against Southampton. What is sure to be an emotional afternoon will be boosted if the Blues are in no danger of being near the bottom and even more so if the Toffees are still competing for something of note. 

Summing Up

A successful season for Dyche and his side will likely be a top ten finish while a push for Europe would come as a surprise to observers but would provide a special moment for Goodison Park. After battling relegation and dealing with a points deduction, the majority of supporters would welcome a campaign free of drama ready for a smooth transition to the new stadium.

---

Return to Talking Points index  :  Add your Comments »

---

Reader Comments

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer ()

There are no responses so far to this article. Be the first to offer a comment using the form below.

---

How to get rid of these ads and support TW

---