Football Season Guide

Sean Dyche was dismissed after winning just three of the first 19 league games of last season, with David Moyes returning after a 12-year absence to turn their campaign around. Everton went on a nine-game unbeaten run that helped them secure safety rather comfortably. The Toffees parted ways with several ageing players in their bid to rejuvenate the squad, but they should add some depth. Abdoulaye Doucouré is the only starter to have departed, with a talented Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall joining to fill his void. Everton also signed Thierno Barry, who is expected to quickly become first-choice striker and Jack Grealish, who'll try to revive his career. Everton fans bid an emotional farewell to Goodison Park, the club's home for 133 years, as they are set to inaugurate their new ground this term. The backbone has been kept intact, with starting centre-backs Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski gradually recovering fitness ahead of the first stretch of the campaign. Everton’s main strength lies in goal, where their finest player over the last few seasons has proven that he’s the leader of this team. Last season, only two keepers managed more clean sheets than Jordan Pickford (12), who’s been consistently their finest performer in the league. What Moyes needs to improve is Everton’s attack, as last term the Toffees recorded the lowest tally of goals scored (42) among the teams who remained in the Premier League. The signings of Grealish and Barry are moves in that direction, but fans will hope they hit the ground running to avoid struggles in the final third again this season.