The wait is nearly over. The 2025/26 Premier League season is set to begin today, with Liverpool hosting Bournemouth for the first match of the campaign.
Everton, of course, will begin the season with an away match at Elland Road against newly promoted Leeds United on Monday night.
With the year starting, the writers here at Prince Rupert's Tower have answered several questions focused on Everton's expectations for the season, and how things will shape out when the year is over in May of 2026.
Where will Everton finish in the table this year?
Robert Morrison (site expert): 9th. There has been improvement from the players that left this summer, but I've still got plenty of questions about the depth of the squad heading into the opener. A good cup run is coming, too, in the FA Cup.
James Fudge (contributor): In the weeks following the 2024/25 season, I was optimistic, buoyed by the transfer budget, the impact of David Moyes, and the excitement of a new stadium, all seemingly a recipe for success. However, failed signings and a disappointing pre-season have dampened that optimism. As things stand, I’m predicting a mid-table to bottom-half finish for Everton with a decent cup run to the semis in the Carabao Cup.
Juan Pereira Casanoba (contributor): I have the Toffees finishing 8th this season. Fans are still expecting a few more moves before the offseason finishes, and if the front office hits on their right wing and right back signings, this Everton team could be a tough one for teams to face, especially at home.
Who will be Everton's top scorer?
RM: Iliman Ndiaye led the team last year and missed a decent chunk of the season, so I'll say he can do it again with a full year under his belt. New signings like Thierno Barry, Jack Grealish, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will be in the running, but Ndiaye is still my guy here. I predict he'll easily break double figures.
JF: The preseason criticism could be just the motivation he needs to kick-start his career and push for international recognition. I’m backing Beto to score between 12 and 16 goals in the Premier League, with a few more added in the cup competitions. Thierno Barry should also chip in, though I don’t see him reaching double figures this season. Meanwhile, Iliman Ndiaye looks capable of contributing 7 to 10 goals over the course of the campaign.
JPC: Ndiaye is primed to have a breakout season for Everton. He was the team’s best goal contributor last season, and although it was tempting to but either Beto or Barry as possible candidates for top scorer, Ndiaye is one of the very few players in this roster who has a guaranteed starting role.
Who will be Everton's player of the season?
RM: Jarrad Branthwaite is going to stand out in defense and help buoy the entire squad with that performance. Because of that, I think we'll lock in the Player of the Season award on a team that may still struggle to finish at times and will need a strong defense to stay in the running for a top-10 finish.
JF: Given my predicted finish, giving this award to an attacking player fails logic. Everton’s defence is their biggest strength, with Jordan Pickford and Idrissa Gana Gueye being the best players last year. Step forward, Jarrad Branthwaite; this is his year.
JPC: Jarrad Branthwaite has missed some time due to injury, but whenever you see him on the field, he stands out. He’s physically imposing, only 23, and could become even better if Everton stop over-relying on their defense to get results.
Who will be Everton's signing of the season?
RM: I know everyone is pumped for Jack Grealish, but I think Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will have the biggest impact on the squad. I'm still not sure how that mix of attacking players will function (it may take time), but KDH feels like he'll be the standout among the new players (but this could change before the window closes).
JF: As things stand, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall looks set to be a vital presence in midfield, an area where the team has been lacking. His energy, ability to drive into attacking spaces, and effectiveness in breaking up play should make the £28 million fee look like money well spent.
JPC: Adam Aznou is the type of player that Everton needs to change the culture around here. He’s energetic, likes to get forward, and is a perfect profile that differs from Mykolenko. I expect him to be used either as a super sub or as an eventual starter. It’ll be exciting to see how this young player develops this season.
What player will be the biggest surprise?
RM: I'll go with Adam Aznou here, since it isn't really clear what his role will be heading into the season. It looks like Vitalii Mykolenko avoided long-term injury and will be ready for the start of the campaign, but Aznou will have to be ready to step in at a moment's notice. He'll need patience, but I think once he gets comfortable, his skillset is undeniable.
JF: Adam Aznou is set to break into the squad and stay there. We've already seen the impact of Milos Kerkez in the Premier League, and Aznou could follow a similar trajectory. With a blend of pace and stamina, he has the potential to become a dynamic force, an attacking and defending monster on the flank.
JPC: Jake O'Brien seems like the odd man out. Everton’s back line of Branthwaite and Tarkowski looks set, and the club is trying to bring a right back. However, I suspect that his playing time at both right back and center back will remain relevant in case of injury or rest. I suspect he’ll be very handy and perhaps even have some clutch moments down the line.