2016-17 fan predictions: Everton

What are your feelings ahead of the new season?

We’ve all missed it, haven’t we? There’s nothing quite like the buzz of the opening weekend of the Premier League, even for an Everton fan! I’m quietly optimistic. Roberto Martinez should have been out of a job within minutes of the 4-0 Anfield drubbing back in April but, in Ronald Koeman, we now have a manager with proven Premier League credentials. It wasn’t so long ago that some Blues were labelling this the best Everton squad since the eighties. I don’t quite go along with that, but in players like Romelu Lukaku, Gerard Deulofeu, Ross Barkley and Kevin Mirallas, there is undoubted quality within the ranks. The problem for sides like Everton is that everyone around us is improving. Still, I think we can make a push for the top six – but it’ll be tough.

Are you satisfied with your club’s transfer business this summer?

Losing John Stones is a blow. The lad has the ability to be the best English centre-half in a generation, but the signing of Ashley Williams is a cracker. He’s a no-nonsense centre-half in the same ilk as Wes Morgan at Leicester and will add some bite to our defence. Idrissa Gueye offers pace in our midfield but we need a ’keeper. Maarten Stekelenburg is hardly an improvement on what we already have so that needs to be a priority. Possibly our best piece of business was hiring Steve Walsh as director of football. He’s largely credited with the signings of Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante at Leicester. Us Blues will be hoping he can bring that eye for a player to Merseyside.

How is your team likely to line up?

With so much transfer activity going on, that really is anyone’s guess right now. I imagine Koeman will be looking to use Yannick Bolasie (if signed) in the same way that he did new Liverpool boy Sadio Mane at Southampton, solid defensively and lethal on the counter. Williams will be the focal point at the back, with Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman operating down the flanks. Mirallas and Deulofeu will no doubt have to fight it out for one of the wide spots, with Gueye, Barkley and Lukaku making up the spine of the side.

Have you got the right man in charge?

I believe so, yes. His club career as a player cannot be questioned and he has impressed at all of his clubs as a manager, particularly at Southampton. The fact that he criticised his players after a victory in pre-season delighted me. We all got a little fed up with Martinez’s superlatives so this new approach will be a breath of fresh air – we became too nice. A top-six finish with Southampton represented a fantastic season. Everton fans are fully behind him and really hoping he can give us a memorable season.

What do you expect from Liverpool this season?

Further progress. You guys began this influx of top-level managers to our shores with the appointment of Jürgen Klopp and, even as a Blue, it’s impossible not to like him. His Scouse accent is brilliant, or should I say boss! Two cup finals last season represented a promising campaign and, with the German putting his own stamp on this squad, you should be knocking on the door to the top four, certainly top six.

If you could have one Liverpool player in your team, who would it be?

Philippe Coutinho. I really do rate the Brazilian. He sees passes that others don’t and can unlock a defence like no-one else in your side. He perhaps needs to add a touch of consistency to his game and start influencing in matches where you’re struggling. If he can do that, he’ll be up there with the very best in his position.

Top four (in order)?

Manchester City
Chelsea
Manchester United
Spurs

Relegated?

Hull, Swansea, West Brom

Who will be the surprise package?

Will that question ever be the same again? Leicester’s heroics of last season will never be repeated and changed the landscape of the division. This season, I fancy Burnley to surprise a few doubters. I like how they stuck by Sean Dyche following relegation from the top flight and don’t panic in the transfer market. The fitness of Andre Gray is vital but if he can stay on the pitch for most of the season, I fancy Burnley to finish around mid-table.

What is your one wish for the season?

Silverware! You loveable lot aren’t shy of reminding us of how long it has been since we last lifted a trophy and, having come close last season, it’s time we went all the way.