Everton enter the 2026-27 season with greater financial stability and cautious optimism, but their poor end to last season means claims of progress remain unproven. David Moyes’s side were briefly close to Champions League qualification in March before failing to win another match and finishing 13th, so stronger recruitment and a more consistent campaign will be important.

The Guardian’s writers predict Everton to finish 10th, after they ended last season in 13th with one more point but a worse goal difference than the year before. The club needs improved options at centre-forward, right-back and central defence, while it is appealing against a ruling that could require almost £40m compensation to Burnley; some season-ticket prices have also risen by nearly 10%.