Our build up to the new season continues as we share the views of our Premier League panel with a look at two clubs that had more than a passing word with each other last season, Everton and Watford.
Everton @theblueroomefc
Q. What are the fan expectations?
For the first time in many years it’s difficult to put a tangible league placing in regards to expectations. We’re a club that’s traditionally had “the best of the rest” tag in modern Premier League parlance, however, following a quite embarrassing couple of years recruitment wise, I think many other clubs have caught up to us. Don’t be fooled by the eighth place finish last season, we’re genuinely one of the worst footballing sides in the league.
That said, (thankfully) a new manager, Director of Football and board restructure, means the club have gone to some length at re-establishing an identity with which we can move forward. I think there’s a general acceptance from level headed fans that this will take time and several transfer windows, so for that reason I’m going to say that I just want to enjoy watching my team again and I expect to see that under Marco Silva – how that manifests itself into a league position, for once to me personally yet within reason, isn’t the be all and end all.
Q. Which position does your team desparately need to improve?
Central defence. Michael Keane and Ashley Williams have seemingly found new ways and depths for our fan base to quarrel over which has been the worst singing in recent years. For a manager that likes to play a high line, these two would only be comfortable sitting on our own goal line, such is their lack of pace and mobility. Phil Jagielka, now approaching 37, is still our best defender, at a club which conceded more league goals last season than two of the relegated sides.
Q. Name a player from your club that will shine?
Ademola Lookman would’ve been my answer to this, but there have been some real issues with his future in the balance and an apparent desire to leave. It’s hard not to get excited about Richarlison’s arrival, but I’m backing Gylfi Sigurdsson to rediscover the form that saw us pay £45million for him a year ago. He’s finally had a pre-season under his belt and was again Iceland’s talisman at the World Cup.
Q. Where will your team finish in the league and how will they do in the cups?
Such a difficult question. I think the standard in the league last term was one of the worst we’ve seen. I’m not quite sure how we finished eighth, but it’s an indictment of the quality on show that we did. This year I think a number of sides will be vying for top half finishes having improved over the summer as opposed to last season where so many seemed content with staying in the division. I don’t think Wolves and Fulham have come up to make up the numbers, whilst West Ham have made some big moves in the market.
It’ll be much more competitive outside of the top six, but I still find myself reverting to my stock answer here….seventh. It’s been 23 years since Everton last lifted a trophy. I’m backing us to lift the League Cup under Marco Silva to end that drought. The FA Cup will undoubtedly see us get a horrific draw in the third or fourth round and go out.
Q. Predict the title winners, teams relegated and domestic cup winners?
- Premier League – Manchester City, Liverpool to run them close (around 10-12 points)
- Relegation – Cardiff City, Huddersfield Town, Newcastle United (Rafa will walk, Ashley will cause chaos)
- League Cup – Everton
- FA Cup – Arsenal
Q. Your thoughts on Palace and how we will do this season?
I really like Palace and actually think for some time now they’re the side best equipped outside of the top six when going away from home to the big boys. Pacey wingers and guys who can head and finish in the box, it’s very old school and it’s refreshing in the days where pressing and number tens are all the rage. There’ll be none of the concerns there were last season in the early going so I predict a solid mid-table/top half finish – ninth or tenth for me. Obviously keeping Wilfried Zaha is key, but Palace are far from a one man show. A club on the up.
Watford @hornetsnestwfc
Q. What are the fan expectations?
Q. Which position does your team desperately need to improve?
Q. Name a player from your club that will shine?
Q. Where will your team finish in the league and how will they do in the cups?
Q. Predict the title winners, teams relegated and domestic cup winner?
- Premier League – Manchester City
- Relegated – Cardiff City, Huddersfield Town and Newcastle United (Palace surviving by a whisker…)
- League Cup – Liverpool
- FA Cup – Manchester City
Q. Your thoughts on Palace and how we will do this season?
OUR THANKS TO THE GUYS FOR JOINING OUR PREMIER LEAGUE PANEL FOR THE NEW SEASON. WE WILL REVISIT THEIR VIEWS LATER IN THE SEASON.
