Once a powerhouse in the Barclays Premier League, Everton suffered a down season in their 2014-15 campaign. The Toffees finished 11th in the league table after making eight consecutive top 10 finishes from 2006-2013. However, Everton are back with star striker Romelu Lukaku powering the attack, while American Tim Howard returns as the starting goalkeeper.
Can Everton regain their spot near the top of the Premier League? Or was last year the beginning of a downward spiral? Read on as we take a look at Everton’s season to come. For more on the Premier League landscape, check out the previews for Chelsea and Manchester United.
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Everton 2015-2016 Premier League Preview
Overview
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Everton had been fringe contenders in the Premier League in the past few seasons, finishing in the top eight of the league since 2006 until finishing 11th last season. The 11th-place finish came on the heels of signing star striker Romelu Lukaku to a club record £28 million prior to the start of the 2014-15 season. Lukaku has now had enough time to feel more comfortable with the Toffees, prompting a promising year ahead.
Everton will need much more than Lukaku’s scoring if they are to return as one of the top teams in the Premier League. They’ll need goalkeeper Tim Howard to be at his best. Howard struggled with his form last year as the Toffees’ defense struggled. They should have a pair of fresh legs injecting some life in the backline with 19 year old Brendan Galloway.
Everton also managed to sign striker Gerard Deulofeu from Barcelona to aid in the attack. Deulofeu could have some success attacking directly up front, or linking the attack from the wings.
Key Player – Romelu Lukaku
Romelue Lukaku doesn’t only have a big contract, he also has a big game as well that speaks highly of his skills as Everton’s go-to scorer. Lukaku led Everton with 10 goals last season, and he also assisted in five goals. The focus on the Everton attack will be even bigger on the 22-year old Belgian with the likes of Gareth Barry and Leon Osman both aging.
Lukaku should also be able to get more open looks at the net, especially with Deulofeu also being a threat to score. Look for the former Barcelona forward to setup quality scoring opportunities for Lukaku or finish his own shot attempts. Everton also has Leighton Baines as a great playmaker (he led the team with nine assists last season) to utilize Lukaku’s finishing skills.
Key Game – vs Chelsea, September 12
Among the top four teams in the league last season, Chelsea were the only ones that swept Everton 2-0. The Toffees get their first crack at the defending champions in a home game on September 12. A win here would be huge for an Everton side looking to get back into the top 10 of the Premier League as well as back into European competition.
Everton closed out the past season strong at home, going unbeaten in eight of their last 10 matches at Goodison Park.
Best Case/ Worst Case
Best Case
Lukaku becomes a scoring machine, while Tim Howard becomes a solid presence as the last line of defense. Everton challenges the top four clubs in the Premier League but still finishes fifth in the standings. A return to the Europa League would be a welcome reward after ranking outside the top 10 last season.
Worst Case
Everton continue to struggle as Howard becomes a shell of his former self. Lukaku won’t be able to lead the Toffees’ attacking front to take crucial wins if Howard can’t keep the opposition out of the net. Everton gets hammered and falls short of relegation with a 15th-place finish.
Complete Schedule
Date
Opponent
Time
August 8
vs Watford
10:00 AM ET
August 15
at Southampton
7:45 AM ET
August 23
vs Manchester City
11:00 AM ET
August 29
at Tottenham
12:30 PM ET
September 12
vs Chelsea
7:45 AM ET
September 19
at Swansea
10:00 AM ET
September 28
at West Brom
2:00 AM ET
October 3
vs Liverpool
10:00 AM ET
October 17
vs Manchester United
10:00 AM ET
October 24
at Arsenal
10:00 AM ET
October 31
vs Sunderland
10:00 AM ET
November 7
at West Ham
10:00 AM ET
November 21
vs Aston Villa
10:00 AM ET
November 28
at Bournemouth
10:00 AM ET
December 5
vs Crystal Palace
10:00 AM ET
December 12
at Norwich City
10:00 AM ET
December 19
vs Leicester City
10:00 AM ET
December 26
at Newcastle United
10:00 AM ET
December 28
vs Stoke City
10:00 AM ET
January 2
vs Tottenham
10:00 AM ET
January 13
at Manchester City
2:45 AM ET
January 16
at Chelsea
10:00 AM ET
January 23
vs Swansea
10:00 AM ET
February 3
vs Newcastle United
2:45 AM ET
February 6
at Stoke City
10:00 AM ET
February 13
vs West Brom
10:00 AM ET
February 27
at Liverpool
10:00 AM ET
March 1
at Aston Villa
2:45 AM ET
March 5
vs West Ham
10:00 AM ET
March 12
at Sunderland
10:00 AM ET
March 19
vs Arsenal
10:00 AM ET
April 2
at Manchester United
10:00 AM ET
April 9
at Watford
10:00 AM ET
April 16
vs Southampton
10:00 AM ET
April 23
at Crystal Palace
10:00 AM ET
April 30
vs Bournemouth
10:00 AM ET
May 7
at Leicester City
10:00 AM ET
May 15
vs Norwich City
10:00 AM ET
Writer’s Prediction
Everton enjoys some success in Lukaku’s sophomore outing with the team. The Toffees finish sixth in the Premier League standings. Create a betting account now and get ready for a red-hot season of Premier League action.
