Premier League Preview: Everton

Toffees, as they are fondly known are the other good team from the Merseyside. Showing great chemistry on and off the pitch with absolutely no tension between players and the management, the team have been playing really well since the last few seasons. Under the management of David Moyes, the team have done really well although a slightly disappointing away form took away their chance of playing in Europe. Having lost their most consistent player Steven Piennar last year to Tottenham for a very low amount, the team looked a little shaky but managed to come in 7th last year by pulling of great comebacks and scoring late goals. Also, the team did not sign any new player and will be playing with the same team as last season's. 15 draws last season should be a matter of concern for the team as they lost many precious points home and away to good and bad teams. Same players and same management could be a boon or a bane for the team in the coming season. The chemistry among the midfielders, namely, Marouanne Fellaini and Mikel Arteta, is exceptional and could prove to be a plus point for the team as both the players start the season with full fitness. Tim Cahill is always present at the right place, at the right time and his head is a gift to the side. Looking forward to a wonderful season, as the team can cause great upsets and can help and destroy other teams seasons.

Season 2010-11: The team started off on the wrong foot but managed to earn points in big games against the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United. Yakubu, the Nigerian striker, left on loan to play in the Championship and Steven Piennar left to join London based Tottenham Hotspur. Good display of managerial talent was visible when Everton leaped from the bottom half of the table to a 7th placed finish at the end of the 2010-11 season. Amazing performances by Leighton Baines, Mikel Arteta and Louis Saha were enough to put the team on track as a European threat.

Verdict: The team have done fairly well in the friendlies winning 3 out of their 6 matches. Magaye Gueye, their young forward, has done well and scored in 2 matches. Everton should hold onto young players like him and make an effort to sign other young players as their defence line is getting old and weak with the likes of Sylvian Distin and Phil Neville. A good young central midfielder to play along with Mikel Arteta could do wonders for the Toffees. Watch out for great counters and impeccable comebacks, the team under David Moyes has a future in Europe if they stop dropping points by drawing too many matches.

Transfers:
Players In: None.
Players Out: James Vaughan (Norwich City, £2.5 million), Iain Turner (Preston North End, free), Kieran Agard (Yeovil Town, free), Hope Akpan (Crawley Town, free), John Nolan (Stockport County, free).

2010-11 Position: 7th.
Football Finesse Predictions: 7th, 8th.
Men To Watch: Mikel Arteta, Magaye Gueye, Marouanne Fellaini, Leighton Baines, Louis Saha.