Five reasons to be positive about Everton in 2026/27

Harry Diamond 21/08/2026 1comment | Jump to last

(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Positivity isn’t always prevalent among Everton fans, often with good reason, but if there’s ever a time to be optimistic, it's the start of a brand new season.

Everton get underway in 2026/27 against Crystal Palace tomorrow, and here are five reasons to be positive about the Toffees as the season kicks off.

Everton have stability in a summer of change.

There’s never been a Premier League summer quite like this one. Nine teams are under new management ahead of the opening weekend, and a further two top-flight bosses are yet to celebrate their first anniversary in charge.

Despite only returning to Everton in January 2025, David Moyes is already the seventh-longest serving manager in the Premier League. Sure, some wanted change in the summer, but continuity could at least offer Everton hope of a stronger start, as others get to know their new sides.

Furthermore, Everton have held onto their big names. Iliman Ndiaye, as things stand, remains at Hill Dickinson Stadium despite flirting with an exit. At the same time, fitness issues for James Garner and Jarrad Branthwaite have prevented interest from other sides. There’s a decent spine at Everton right now, and that’s remained intact.

Last season’s signings showing positive signs

While it’s never wise to read too much into the pre-season, there were notable improvements from several names who struggled last season.

Thierno Barry scored three goals during the summer schedule and looked much improved, with his performance against Newcastle in Edinburgh particularly pleasing. Likewise, Tyler Dibling looks to have found some confidence after a disappointing debut season, and Tyrique George showed signs of what he can do too.

That trio all failed to make the desired impact after signing last season, but could all offer Everton something new this time around. ‘Like a new signing’ is an overused phrase, but Dibling in particular could prove to be just that.

Jarrad Branthwaite’s full pre-season

It’s no secret that Everton are a much, much better side with Jarrad Branthwaite in the backline. The 24-year-old’s injury issues have perhaps made those outside Everton circles forget just how good the defender is.

Commanding in the air, quick across the ground, and comfortable off either foot, Branthwaite has all the attributes to be an Everton captain and England regular.

Everton came close to Europe last season despite Branthwaite making only seven league starts. A first full pre-season in four years should (fingers crossed) go a long way to eradicating his issues.

VAR misery surely can’t continue

Was there anything more Everton than last season’s VAR horror? Across the entire Premier League, the Blues were the only team that didn’t have a single VAR decision go in their favour.

Not a single goal given, nor opposition effort ruled out, and three penalty appeals all turned down. It surely can’t go on.

Lads, it’s Palace

Slightly tongue-in-cheek this one, with Crystal Palace a good side that has won major trophies in each of the last two seasons, but it’s hard to ignore Everton’s remarkable record against tomorrow’s opponents.

The Toffees are unbeaten in the last 11 meetings between the teams, winning seven, and have not lost a Premier League fixture against the Eagles since December 2021.

No matter the fortunes of the two sides, Everton have seemed to have a hoodoo over the South Londoners in recent years.

Reader Comments (1)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer ()

Paul Hewitt
1 Posted 21/08/2026 at 11:04:23

But we still have Moyes as manager.

Add Your Comments

In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.

» Log in now

Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.

How to get rid of these ads and support TW