2017-18 fan season preview: Everton

What are your feelings ahead of the new season?

As is often the case in the week building up to the new season, I’m filled with ill-advised hope and expectations. We have to make that top six a top seven and really establish ourselves among the big boys, something that Ronald Koeman has made no secret of wanting to achieve. Everton were in their own little division last season, too far back from sixth and miles clear of eighth. We were just enjoying our own little party of seventh-placed comfort.

Our start to the season isn’t for the faint-hearted, but will give an early indication of our ability to mix it with those we aspire to rub shoulders with. If we can get through our opening five or six games reasonably unscathed, the Blues can look forward to another season of progress.

How pleased have you been with your transfer business to date?

As I’ve grown older, I’ve become increasingly pessimistic when it comes to Everton – much to the annoyance of my fellow Toffees. Of course, our early transfer business made people sit up and take notice. Jordan Pickford comes in to strengthen a position that has needed addressing since Nigel Martyn called time on his career!

I was always concerned, however, that as our fanbase grew more and more excitable with each new signing, they were forgetting the impending departure of a certain Romelu Lukaku. Add to that the bizarre Ross Barkley saga, and all of a sudden we’re replacing rather than strengthening.

Alas, I’ll take my negative cap off and express my delight in snapping up Sandro from Malaga, who looks a real player. Michael Keane is a fantastic coup considering the interest in him and it’s great to see us poaching the captain of a great club like Ajax in Davy Klaassen.

The return of Wayne Rooney is the signing that got people talking. For me, it’s a great deal. I don’t buy into the idea that he is a spent force. He’s just a different player, but will no doubt be a hugely influential one for Everton this campaign.

How is your team likely to line up?

I’d imagine Pickford will line up behind Ashley Williams and Michael Keane, with Leighton Baines at left-back. Cuco Martina, Jonjoe Kenny and Mason Holgate will likely battle it out for the right-back slot in Seamus Coleman’s absence, with Morgan Schneiderlin and Idrissa Gueye providing a solid protective shield.

Wayne Rooney will likely take up an attacking midfield slot behind Sandro with the likes of Klaassen, Tom Davies, Kevin Mirallas and (hopefully) Gylfi Sigurdsson competing for the remaining midfield slots.

Who will be your most important player?

It’s this sort of uninspiring viewpoint that makes me such a hoot at parties, but I honestly think Schneiderlin is central to our ambitions. His intelligent positioning, ability to break up opposing attacks and quick distribution make him a dream holding midfielder.

Of course, replacing Lukaku’s goals is of paramount importance and Sandro will really need to hit the ground running.

Who is the unsung hero in your squad?

Schneiderlin certainly falls into this category alongside his midfield partner Gueye. However, for me, Phil Jagielka isn’t given the credit he deserves. I wouldn’t necessarily say that he is deserving of a starting spot anymore, but his experience in the dressing room cannot be overstated. I’m delighted to see him sign a new one-year contract extension, he certainly deserves it.

What do you expect from Liverpool this season?

A very, very quick start! Jürgen Klopp demands a fast-tempo, high-pressing style of play and I expect you to come flying out of the blocks. My Blue mates often remind me that I should give Liverpool more stick than I do, but I like what Klopp is creating across the park. Your season could very much depend on one or two transfers. I think you’ll do well to better last season’s finish.

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

Philippe Coutinho, without a shadow of a doubt. You know only too well that he is a world-class operator.

Top four (in order)?

Manchester United (sorry!)
Manchester City
Chelsea
Liverpool

Relegated?

Huddersfield
Burnley
Swansea

Surprise package?

In another shocking admission for a Bluenose, I’m backing your former gaffer Rafa Benitez to do the business up in Newcastle this season. As a club, they baffle me. Everything is in place for them to succeed but the owner seems to make mistake after mistake. Surely he sees now that his best chance at success is to give Benitez what he wants and allow him full control at the club? If he does that, I’m backing the Toon for a top-10 finish.

What is your biggest wish for the season?

Silverware! I would snap your hand off right now if you could guarantee me a 17th-place finish along with a trophy. Winning silverware is what football is all about and for a club of our stature to not lift a single trophy since 1995 is laughable – as our loveable Red neighbours love to do so much!

I fancy us to go far in the Europa League and hope that both Merseyside clubs can compete at the very top of the table, genuinely.