Everton

David Moyes continues to defy all logic with his management of Everton. The Toffees have been long renowned for having not much cash to splash, and as a result one of the smallest squads in the Premier League. Something emphasised by just 20 players starting a Premier League game in 2010/11, the fewest throughout the league. However he still run neighbours Liverpool close, and gave them a mighty fright that he could topple them yet again. After just missing out though, a more than respectable 7th place was achieved.

Goalkeeper

Tim Howard has transformed himself since his move to Merseyside from Manchester United in 2006. He has proved himself to be once of the league most reliable, and could be partly thanked for keeping Everton surging up the league year upon year. In Back up, last years signing Jan Mucha still waits for a sniff of a chance.

Defence

There are some very solid performers contained within this back four, something that is emphasised by the persistent rumours linking many of them away. Joseph Yobo could well depart, but Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka are also getting the rumours treatment this summer. Tony Hibbert proves to be ever reliable and Phil Neville is still going strong, if Moyes can keep hold of these this shouldn't be too much of a problem next term.

Midfield

Another area that is strong, but similarly to the Defence it is all on the surface with strength in depth very questionable. Leon Osman continues to perform at the highest level, while Jack Rodwell and Marouane Fellaini are two more of this squad surrounding rumours they are soon to be off to pastured new. It is of no doubt though that Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill are the crown jewels of this side, their performances crucial to the success of the side. And as it looked like they could stay, Everton could be set for another good finish next term. Although Diniyar Bilyaletdinov still continues to divide opinion.

Forward

Possibly the weakest part of this side. Louis Saha, when fit is a tremendous striker, but that is all too rare. Jermaine Beckford performed OK after his free transfer from Leeds United, while Yakubu was farmed out on loan to Leicester City and doesn't seem to have a future at the club. Their are however some exiting youngster in the ranks, Joao Silva and Magaye Gueye are definite prospects.

Manager


David Moyes seems to have performed miracles here, and they should be thankful he loves the club so much that he continues to stay. The Scot is ingrained in the fabric of Everton now, and could be here for years to come.

Areas to Strengthen

If players leave they will definitely need to be replaced as numbers are thin, but apart from free transfers and nominal fees selling could be the only way to raise funds. A prolific striker needs to be added, an injury prone main striker and goals from Midfield can only get you so far.

Expectations

Despite the small squad and budget such is the job that Moyes has done at Everton, expectations continue to rise. The Premier League will be the most fiercely competitive for years, but a top half finish should definitely be achieved.

Odds

300/1 (Sky Bet)

Players In

Eric Dier loan (Sporting Lisbon) Royston Drenthe loan (Real Madrid) Denis Straqualarsi loan (Tigres)

Players out

James Vaughan £2.5m (Norwich City) Jermaine Beckford undisclosed (Leicester City) Mikel Arteta £10m (Arsenal) Yakubu undisclosed (Blackburn Rovers) Kieran Agard Free (Yeovil Town) Hope Akpan free (Crawley Town) Luke Dobie free (Middlesborough) Tom Donegan free (Fulham) Gerard Kinsella, Iain Turner, Luke Dobie, Daniel Murphy, Craig Nathan, Lee McArdle (all released) Joao Silva loan (Vittoria) Shane Duffy loan (Scunthorpe United)