Jump To:The CoachKey PlayerLast Season's ResultsTop ScorerLessons From Last YearMost Likely To...Least Likely To...View From The StandsFixturesTitle OddsFFT VerdictCopy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterStability or ambition? That's the question being asked of the Friedkin Group, Everton's owners, after a once-promising season ended in a second consecutive 13th-placed finish.David Moyes can ensure that recent relegation battles remain a thing of the past. The jury is out, however, on whether he's able to turn back the clock and make the Toffees European regulars again.Everton were just three points off a Champions League spot after they hammered Chelsea 3-0 on March 21. They then conspired to pick up three points from their last seven fixtures, as injury-time goals cost them in three straight games.Is this the season that Everton will, finally, become a competitive club once more? Everton 2026-27 season previewThe capitulation raised questions over Moyes' future at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Success-starved fans are desperate for European fixtures befitting of their new �750 million home, after years of looking down rather than up.Some 17 English clubs have qualified for Europe more recently than Everton, with Burnley, Wolves, Sunderland and Leicester among them. Yet, after inheriting a mess from Farhad Moshiri, the Friedkins seem content to be happily dissatisfied as club CEO Angus Kinnear wrote in his end-of-season programme notes for a bit longer, as they try to put Everton on a stable footing off the pitch. You may like Everton have a full season at the new stadium behind them now they dont have any excuses next season Peter Reid wants to see Everton kick on next term Brighton staggered to the Conference League qualification finish line last season, but will they enjoy the fruits of their labour? Brighton 2026-27 season preview Bournemouth have waved goodbye to Andoni Iraola, but will they continue to build upon the fine work he laid down? - Bournemouth 2026-27 season preview So, it's Moyes who is charged with returning the Toffees to continental competition. He will need at least a Conference League spot to keep fans onside.The CoachThe criticisms of David Moyes are valid using players out of position, dithering over subs, not trusting youth nor even his own signings but a tad harsh, given where Everton were. He will want to prove his doubters wrong, but must buy better, starting with two top full-backs.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Key PlayerJarrad Branthwaite managed just 10 league appearances in 2025-26 and his absence was sorely felt. Everton are far more solid with their talented but injury-prone defender, whose ability on the ball also makes a huge difference in build-up. Can the 24-year-old stay fit?Last Season's ResultsPREMIER LEAGUE: 13thFA CUP: Third Round What to read next Crystal Palace have raised their own standards with major trophy wins in back-to-back seasons, so how will the Eagles fare this time without the man who guided them there? Crystal Palace 2026-27 season preview Brentford were on the verge of European football last time out, but can it get even better for Bees fans? - Brentford 2026-27 season preview Unai Emery's Europa League champions are the most likely non-Big 6 side to disturb the Premier League title race - Aston Villa 2026-27 season preview LEAGUE CUP: Third RoundTop ScorerBeto bagged 10 goals in all competitions for the Toffees last season, and can be a considerable threat on his day.The Everton bagsman also struck against Liverpool, albeit in a 2-1 derby day loss at the Hill Dickinson.Lessons From Last YearLeaving Goodison was never going to be easy, despite a mediocre record there in recent years, but just six wins at the new stadium was nowhere near good enough.While Everton's away record was one of the league's best for much of 2025-26, Moyes and his players often looked lost at home. He must develop a style that works in front of an expectant crowd.Most Likely To...Rage against the machine. Everton were the only club not to have a single VAR decision go their way last season: no goals given, zero opposition goals ruled out, and three sure penalties turned down.Least Likely To...Avoid more PSR-related problems (even while Manchester City's own 115 charges continue to go unanswered). Following two harsh Premier League points deductions in 2023-24, Everton are now fighting an order to pay Burnley a whopping �35m to compensate for the Toffees avoiding relegation at their expense in 2021-22 while breaking PSR. Whatever next?View From The StandsWords by: ELLIOTT BRETLAND @EllBretlandLast season was a year of relative progress until a horrendous April and May, which led many to wonder: actually, is this stagnation? CEO Angus Kinnear declaring the club could be happily dissatisfied with the campaign was a concern.This season will be different because Jarrad Branthwaite will be available, I hope. He is flawless and improves everyone around him.Our key player will be Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall a technician with drive.Look out for 18-year-old Braiden Graham, who is exciting fans by scoring for fun in the reserves.A social media account to follow is a celebration of Evertonian culture: @mintisculture focuses on how a world of being a Blue, from the terrace gear to matchday rituals, shapes our lives.The best thing about matchdays at our ground is the South Stand, one of the loudest terraces in football if the team give us something to shout aboutI won't be happy unless Everton take the cups seriously. It's been more than 30 years since we won one. Jordan Pickford doesn't need a rest.The active player I'd love to have back is Richarlison. He's always committed to the cause.The fans' opinion of the gaffer is mixed. Some have yearned for the stability' Moyes brings. Others appreciate his steadying of the ship but aren't convinced that he can sail us to success.We'll finish 8th.FixturesAUGUST22 Crystal Palace (H)29 Bournemouth (A)SEPTEMBER5 Man United (H)12 Tottenham (A)19 Ipswich (H)OCTOBER10 Hull City (A)17 Chelsea (H)24 Arsenal (A)31 Newcastle (A)NOVEMBER7 Coventry (H)21 Brentford (A)28 Liverpool (H)DECEMBER2 Aston Villa (A)5 Fulham (H)12 Brighton (A)19 Nott'm Forest (A)26 Sunderland (H)30 Man City (H)JANUARY2 Leeds (A)6 Aston Villa (H)16 Coventry (A)23 Brentford (H)30 Liverpool (A)FEBRUARY6 Newcastle (H)10 Leeds (H)20 Sunderland (A)27 Nott'm Forest (H)MARCH3 Man City (A)13 Man United (A)20 Tottenham (H)APRIL10 Crystal Palace (A)17 Bournemouth (H)24 Brighton (H)MAY1 Fulham (A)8 Hull City (H)15 Chelsea (A)23 Arsenal (H)30 Ipswich (A)Title OddsEverton to win the Premier League title odds: 300/1FFT VerdictFourFourTwo verdict: Everton to finish 12th.Fans' fears were confirmed in June by Moyes declaring, I don't know if a club like Everton now can make big strides. Is this Nil satis nisi optimum nothing but the best is good enough' or mere existence?This feature was written in June as part of FourFourTwo magazine's legendary Season Preview issue which can be ordered here.TOPICSPremier LeagueJoe Strange
