After just missing out on a Champions League spot in 2013, many viewed 2014 as a chance for Everton to be dark horse contenders to fight for the top four. But they struggled with injuries and European football seemed to take a toll on the Toffees. But it is now a new year and the Toffees will take on newly promoted Watford in their first game back for the 2015/2016 season.
A tough task ahead
Although the Hornets are new to the Premier League, they won’t sit back and park the bus like most lower teams. They brought in some attacking players this summer including striker Matej Vydra, who was brought from Serie A. Look for Vydra and Troy Deeney to catch Everton on the break when they get the ball and try to catch the shaky Everton backline off guard.
Everton struggled at the back last year and they gave up some crushing last minute goals and this is definitely something they will aim to avoid this weekend. They will not be as attacking as Bournemouth and Norwich but don't expect Watford to sit back. Deeney is a dangerous striker and could be the surprise package this season.
Who'll be in the starting XI?
Look for Everton to have much of the same line-up they played last season. They will have Tim Howard at goal. The likes of Jagielka and Stones at the back with Baines and Coleman on the wings looking for overlapping runs, and getting crosses in to the attackers. They will have James McCarthy, who signed a new five-year contract, and likely Gareth Barry in the midfield standing in front of the defense.
Roberto Martinez now has the option to use new signing Tom Cleverley in the midfield and he and Leon Osman can be used as backups in the central role. Depth at the in wide positions will be at a low considering the likes of Gerard Deulofeu and Kevin Mirallas are out with injury.
Steven Pienaar will also be likely out so it will be a mystery at who lines up across from Aiden McGeady out wide. Maybe Steven Naismith could fit into the wide-man role but it is not his natural position and he could struggle. Assuming Romelu Lukaku is healthy then he will be the main man up top for Everton and will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing season last year.
With these winger injury struggles look for Roberto Martinez to try to add more players to the squad. There is talk that Everton are looking at Adnan Januzaj on loan, and are linked to the likes of Diego Capel and Inter Milan winger Xherdan Shaqiri. Look for the Blues to add at least another winger before the summer transfer window closes.
It will be a good, fresh start for both teams as Watford begin what will be a struggle staying alive in the Premier League, while Everton look to bounce back after a disappointing campaign in 2014.