Our Everton FC writers have predicted how the Blues and their rivals will fare as the 2025/26 campaign gets underway tonight
Merlin Rohl celebrates his goal during the pre-season friendly between Hamburg and Everton at Volksparkstadion on August 1, 2026
Merlin Rohl celebrates his goal during the pre-season friendly between Hamburg and Everton at Volksparkstadion on August 1, 2026(Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC/SmartFrame)
View Image
Everton are back. Just like that, the Blues return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when they welcome Crystal Palace to Hill Dickinson Stadium.
A long season lies beyond this weekend's game, though, and it'll be wracked with emotion. But after just missing out on Europe last season, David Moyes has added to his squad, although the Blues boss has admitted he was hoping the club would have conducted more business.
But with five new faces having arrived at the club this summer, what should we expect? Our Blues writers made their predictions for the new campaign ahead of Friday's curtain-raiser between Arsenal and Coventry City.
Paul Wheelock
Where will Everton finish?
Should a right-back and a striker who is an upgrade on either Thierno Barry or Beto is signed before the end of the transfer window, I can see Everton finishing in the top 10. If that doesn't happen, a similar finish to last season could await.
Everton Player of the Year
If he stays fit, Jarrad Branthwaite, but I think he'll be pushed close by James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Everton breakout star
While it's unfortunate that James Garner and Christian Norgaard will miss the start of the season, it should give the chance to Harrison Armstrong to shine. If he takes it, he'll become a regular around the starting XI for the rest of the season.
Title winner
Arsenal. They have so much more strength in depth compared to their rivals.
Premier League top scorer
Erling Haaland
Bottom three
The three who came up - Coventry City, Ipswich Town and Hull City.
Champions League
If they can sign Julian Alvaraz or another top-class striker - Barcelona. If not, Paris Saint-Germain once more.
FOLLOW OUR EVERTON FC FACEBOOK PAGE!Latest EFC news and analysis from via the Liverpool Echo’s dedicated FB page
Chris Beesley
Where will Everton finish?
Before a ball was kicked last season I said 10th and in truth they probably should have before their spectacular late collapse. A first European qualification in a decade might be out of reach – especially if the right-back situation doesn’t get suitably resolved, but with a record nine new managers in the Premier League, hopefully David Moyes’ experience and know-how can guide the Blues for a first top half finish since 2021.
Everton Player of the Year
Everton are a totally different team and play in a totally different way when Jarrad Branthwaite is fit. They can defend further up the pitch out of possession and when they have the ball, they can carry it up the field out of defence.
Having Branthwaite fit for just 10 matches last season would be a massive miss for any team in the Premier League but if they can keep him fit this term, it can make all the difference.
Everton breakout star
Harrison Armstrong has the opportunity to show what he can do early after an impressive season, but as the campaign progresses, the competition for places in the engine room becomes fierce. Hayden Hackney has been neat and tidy since arriving and is targeting double figures for goals and assists, so hopefully he can become the latest rough diamond from the Championship to be polished up into a Premier League performer by Moyes, after the likes of Tim Cahill, Joleon Lescott and Jarrod Bowen.
Title Winner
There are new men at the top at both Liverpool and Manchester City so while that could galvanise either, defending champions Arsenal come from a position of strength as they eye back-to-back successes for the first time since 1935 when they scooped a hat-trick.
Premier League top scorer
Erling Haaland will take some stopping if he stays fit.
Bottom three
Sunderland did magnificently last season – leapfrogging Everton with their win at Hill Dickinson Stadium in the penultimate weekend – but the European campaign and second season syndrome could hit them hard while I wonder how a post-Marco Silva Fulham might shape up. However, such is the chasm with the Championship these days, the boring but predictable answer is to go with the three promoted clubs.
Champions League winner
Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have both broken their ducks in this competition in recent years, perhaps it will be Arsenal’s turn? If they do, and retain their Premier League title as previously mentioned, then the former midfielder who was once “The best little Spaniard we know” at Goodison Park, will deserve a statue at the Emirates Stadium!
Content Image
Content Image
Connor O'Neill
**Where will Everton finish?**Everton will improve on last season’s 13th place finish and finish eighth this season. However, whether that will be enough to secure European football next season remains to be seen. Everton Player of the YearProvided he stays fit, Jarrad Branthwaite. However, once he returns to action, I wouldn’t bet against James Garner retaining his crown.Everton breakout starHarrison Armstrong has impressed in pre-season, and I hope he gets plenty of minutes in the coming weeks and months. However, I have a feeling this could be Thierno Barry’s time to shine. He’s another who has impressed in pre-season and I just think if he gets an early goal in the Premier League, he could hit the ground running.Title WinnerArsenal. They were too good last season and they will be too good again this time around, especially after signing Bruno Guimaraes and Bruno Guimaraes.Premier League top scorerThe boring and predictable answer of Erling Haaland.Bottom threeIn no particular order: Hull City, Ipswich Town and Coventry City.Champions League winnerAnother boring and predictable answer of Paris Saint-Germain. They have the best squad and the best manager in Europe in Luis Enrique.
Joe Thomas
Where will Everton finish?
I think Everton will finish 11th if they sign a right back and if Jarrad Branthwaite can stay fit all season. I don't see any higher than that being realistic unless more work is done, beyond a right back, before the end of the window. Arsenal, Liverpool, the Manchester sides and Aston Villa are starting from too far ahead.
Chelsea and Spurs are both vying to get into Europe, like Everton are supposed to be, and look at what they have spent to strengthen already superior squads.
There is a chance Everton can exploit their stability and lack of Europe to finish best of the rest and sneak into Europe in eighth but at the moment I think a top half finish is too reliant on Branthwaite, an as-yet unproven striker finding form, and serious gains from Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George. And a right back that is yet to arrive.
To genuinely push for Europe they need investment, probably in the form of a new striker and a genuine alternative at left back.
Everton Player of the YearJarrad Branthwaite is Everton's most important player. If he is fit, the whole dynamic of this side changes.Everton breakout starAs above, I think the current Everton squad needs breakout seasons from, probably, Barry, Dibling and George to push for Europe. All have had good pre-seasons, in fairness. I love the idea of Harrison Armstrong having a big year and, with the injuries in midfield, think he will be too important to loan out. Hopefully that will give him a platform to shine.Title WinnerArsenal. Premier League top scorerJoao Pedro.Bottom threeIt is hard to look beyond Hull City, Ipswich Town and Coventry City.Champions League winner
Arsenal. I think they will be able to use the freedom of a more straightforward league run to go all the way this year.