Everton Premier League season preview 2015/16

All the transfer news, statistics, pundit views and odds ahead of Everton's 2015/16 season.

Position last season: 11th

Sky Bet odds: 250-1

Ins:  Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Gerard Deulofeu (Barcelona)

Outs: Antolin Alcaraz (released), Sylvain Distin (AFC Bournemouth)

Overview

The pressure is on Roberto Martinez to improve Everton’s fortunes after their disappointing 11th-placed finish last season, but they will have to navigate a tricky start which includes clashes against Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea in the first few weeks of the Premier League campaign.

Strengthening their squad is a work in progress, too. Tom Cleverley will provide fresh impetus in midfield and Gerard Deulofeu has the potential to excite, but Martinez admits he wants at least two more new signings, and the Spaniard is also battling to prevent high profile departures.

Chelsea have already had two bids rejected for defender John Stones, while the likes of James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman and Kevin Mirallas have also attracted unwanted attention. It all adds up to a summer of uncertainty at Goodison Park and a tricky job ahead for Martinez.

Phil Thompson's view: "Evertonians will be feeling very worried right now, with the transfer policy of Roberto Martinez making it very difficult to have an opinion on how they’re going to go this season.

"There’s a big question mark hanging over the club with the John Stones situation, a difficult one, while there’s also uncertainly surrounding the futures of McCarthy and Mirallas. There’s talks of Jonny Evans and I think he would definitely be a good signing regardless of what is happening with Stones." 

Phil Thompson's ones to watch: "Romelu Lukaku needs to be more consistent, particularly in the Premier League, while Gerard Deulofeu also needs to start quickly." 

Opta stats

- Everton made more errors leading to goals than any other PL team in 2014/15 (15).

- Gareth Barry became the first player to pick up 100 yellow cards in the Premier League – to date he has 104.

- Last season, Everton finished in the bottom half of the table for the first time since 2005-06.