Everton FC Soccer Predictions, Odds, and Betting Preview for the 2015-16 English Premier League Season

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.
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