Everton enter the 2026-27 Women’s Super League season with cautious optimism under new manager Scott Phelan, after finishing eighth last year. A revamped forward line and a favourable early fixture list could help the club establish momentum, although its comparatively limited budget underlines the challenge of competing with the league’s leading sides.

Everton have signed Jutta Rantala, Noémie Mouchon, Hannah Cain and Australia striker Holly McNamara, while making Zara Kramzar, Hannah Blundell and loan defender Naomi Layzell permanent or temporary additions. They face promoted Crystal Palace, Charlton Athletic and Birmingham City early, and avoid last season’s top three until November; the Guardian writers’ average prediction is 10th. Everton scored four counterattack goals last season despite having the third-fewest shots, suggesting their open-play attack remains an area to improve.