21/08/2026
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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.
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Reader Comments (18)
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Steve Brown
2 Posted 21/08/2026 at 11:31:42
2 Posted 21/08/2026 at 11:31:42
“Everton have pulled out of a move for Manchester United's Ethan Wheatley, 20.
With finance at a premium and Everton looking to add another four first team signings, funds are being prioritised elsewhere.
An initial fee plus add-ons and sell-on percentage are understood to have been outlined. Lincoln City could now step in.
The 6ft 3in striker was seen as one for the future by Everton but someone who could also make an impact in the first team.”
Lincoln are stepping in as Everton cannot afford the deal!
With finance at a premium and Everton looking to add another four first team signings, funds are being prioritised elsewhere.
An initial fee plus add-ons and sell-on percentage are understood to have been outlined. Lincoln City could now step in.
The 6ft 3in striker was seen as one for the future by Everton but someone who could also make an impact in the first team.”
Lincoln are stepping in as Everton cannot afford the deal!
Andrew Ellams
3 Posted 21/08/2026 at 11:40:42
3 Posted 21/08/2026 at 11:40:42
I don't think he was destined for our 1st team Steve.
Tony Abrahams
4 Posted 21/08/2026 at 11:50:13
4 Posted 21/08/2026 at 11:50:13
I look at this completely different Steve, because I think we have got enough young players in and around the first team, and if it looks like the club have come to the decision that they’re going to be concentrating on the “here & now” then hopefully the people behind the scenes have suddenly decided to work together🤞
Christy Ring
5 Posted 21/08/2026 at 11:53:23
5 Posted 21/08/2026 at 11:53:23
The only positive I take is, hopefully Branthwaite is over his hamstring problem, one of the best left-sided centrebacks in the Premiership. The Negatives, How the TFG, Moyes and his recruitment team have waited until the last week of the transfer window to address the appalling decision not to sign a fullback, and a striker. The superb fans deserve the owners to show passion and Ambition, and put the club back where it belongs.
Steve Brown
6 Posted 21/08/2026 at 12:09:51
6 Posted 21/08/2026 at 12:09:51
Hope so Tony.
We will know in 11 days.
The main positive for next season is that we have some good young players - Rohl, Hackney, Aznou, Armstrong, Dibling, Alcaraz, George.
The penny has hopefully dropped with the manager is that his only hope for a new contract is playing the young talent. His narrative that they were showing enough in training to merit selection last season has been shown to be nonsense in pre-season.
Personally, I would delighted to sign Munoz as an attacking right-back. 30 years old or not.
We will know in 11 days.
The main positive for next season is that we have some good young players - Rohl, Hackney, Aznou, Armstrong, Dibling, Alcaraz, George.
The penny has hopefully dropped with the manager is that his only hope for a new contract is playing the young talent. His narrative that they were showing enough in training to merit selection last season has been shown to be nonsense in pre-season.
Personally, I would delighted to sign Munoz as an attacking right-back. 30 years old or not.
John Keating
7 Posted 21/08/2026 at 12:49:03
7 Posted 21/08/2026 at 12:49:03
I’m still hopeful that by the end of the window we will have at least a specialised RB in plus someone up top who knows where the net is
I have always said you should never go back to where you’ve been but if Richarlison hadn’t had a year option in his contract it would certainly be tempting!
I have always said you should never go back to where you’ve been but if Richarlison hadn’t had a year option in his contract it would certainly be tempting!
David West
8 Posted 21/08/2026 at 13:03:07
8 Posted 21/08/2026 at 13:03:07
Just need those who under performed last year to produce more consistently.
Some didn't play enough.
George, Dibbling & Rohl, if these 3 get more time and contribute consistently it's a massive plus.
Armstrong has got to be given the opportunity to progress now, he could hage a big impact.
Keep Branthwaite fit and it's a solid back line in most games (if tarks decline doesn't continue)
If Ndiaye stays and chips in with more goals & assists than last year, which he's capable of it's huge.
Barry I'm hoping will take what he's learned from last year and try and prove people wrong.
Angus is getting us a RB.( rolls eyes )
I think we will get a couple of loans, RW, CF
Some didn't play enough.
George, Dibbling & Rohl, if these 3 get more time and contribute consistently it's a massive plus.
Armstrong has got to be given the opportunity to progress now, he could hage a big impact.
Keep Branthwaite fit and it's a solid back line in most games (if tarks decline doesn't continue)
If Ndiaye stays and chips in with more goals & assists than last year, which he's capable of it's huge.
Barry I'm hoping will take what he's learned from last year and try and prove people wrong.
Angus is getting us a RB.( rolls eyes )
I think we will get a couple of loans, RW, CF
Tony Abrahams
9 Posted 21/08/2026 at 13:21:32
9 Posted 21/08/2026 at 13:21:32
I was meaning to get back to you regarding your other team, Hibs, John, who seem in a similar position to Everton in many ways.
Hopefully they can finish the job off against Gent that they started last night but, just like Everton, they could be so much better if they could find a little bit more quality in certain areas.
Hopefully they can finish the job off against Gent that they started last night but, just like Everton, they could be so much better if they could find a little bit more quality in certain areas.
Mark Ryan
10 Posted 21/08/2026 at 14:08:09
10 Posted 21/08/2026 at 14:08:09
I hope the reporter, is it " Julia" keeps Moyes on his toes throughout the season. I love listening to her questions that she puts to Moyes. A no-nonsense reporter. I love her direct approach and good honest questioning. Long may she be in attendance at all of the Everton pre and post match pressers. Credit where credit is due
Minik Hansen
11 Posted 21/08/2026 at 14:08:56
11 Posted 21/08/2026 at 14:08:56
Paul #1 you were fast on that trigger. I was just finished reading the article in somewhat optimistic fashion. LOL.
My take is, as the last few pre-season matches were with more stabilized starting line-up, there were some good football.
Fingers crossed on Branthwaite, and as it seems, a few signings incoming, we can continue "punching above our weight", surprising the opponents, though we the fans know the squad got good capabilities, they just need to be used effectively. It's like when the favor is not on us, we seem to get a grib. In this instance we finished 13th, blowing the chance of European football, now coming into a new season, and for observers, still with no marquee signing.
Finally some Premier League football! All the best, toffees.
My take is, as the last few pre-season matches were with more stabilized starting line-up, there were some good football.
Fingers crossed on Branthwaite, and as it seems, a few signings incoming, we can continue "punching above our weight", surprising the opponents, though we the fans know the squad got good capabilities, they just need to be used effectively. It's like when the favor is not on us, we seem to get a grib. In this instance we finished 13th, blowing the chance of European football, now coming into a new season, and for observers, still with no marquee signing.
Finally some Premier League football! All the best, toffees.
Christy Ring
12 Posted 21/08/2026 at 14:27:07
12 Posted 21/08/2026 at 14:27:07
Listening to Moyes press conference, definitely no positively there? At the end he was saying that maybe Rohl can be our new fullback, quoting Pep and Arteta playing a midfielder and centreback in that role. When he said we've tried to buy a few fullbacks, but our offers were too low, that rules out Kinnear's suggestion, and Mike Gaynes view, that our number 1/2 targets are still available?
Kevin Molloy
13 Posted 21/08/2026 at 14:31:44
13 Posted 21/08/2026 at 14:31:44
so that ridiculous bullshitter has been completely exposed. Moyes making clear things aren't going well, we're not spending, but these twats still expect to get Europe?
they can fuck right off.
they can fuck right off.
Rocco Bugaj
14 Posted 21/08/2026 at 14:37:59
14 Posted 21/08/2026 at 14:37:59
I think Barry will play better this season. Up until now, he has needed a year to adapt at every club. Ndiaye will also be better since there's no Africa Cup of Nations this time. Armstrong, George, and Röhl are already better than they were last season.
However, the defence is another year older. Branthwaite is injured too often. Plus, we're still missing a right-back. Hector Fort is probably going to Dortmund. I don't think we'll get another good defender for a cheap price.
However, the defence is another year older. Branthwaite is injured too often. Plus, we're still missing a right-back. Hector Fort is probably going to Dortmund. I don't think we'll get another good defender for a cheap price.
Paul Hewitt
15 Posted 21/08/2026 at 14:49:42
15 Posted 21/08/2026 at 14:49:42
I have a feeling Moyes will be gone when the 3 week international break comes along.
Minik Hansen
16 Posted 21/08/2026 at 15:08:54
16 Posted 21/08/2026 at 15:08:54
Ain't no way, Paul. For me, it looks like in this window, buying the right players is very limited (let's see in a week how that looks like), so Moyes cannot solely be blamed for an eventual mediocre start.
Frank Thomas
17 Posted 21/08/2026 at 15:44:41
17 Posted 21/08/2026 at 15:44:41
If you have worked for an American company then you will know it does not matter what you did years ago. The question is what did you do last year, so Paul (15) I think you are correct.
After putting in what's looks like £150M+ over two seasons they want results.
So
No Silverware,
No Europe
No Moyes
After putting in what's looks like £150M+ over two seasons they want results.
So
No Silverware,
No Europe
No Moyes
Bill Hawker
18 Posted 21/08/2026 at 16:26:38
18 Posted 21/08/2026 at 16:26:38
Oh ho...VAR doing Everton over can easily continue. VAR has been screwing Everton ever since it came out. From the infamous FA diving panel that only ever punished two players, one of them being Niasse, to Everton being effed over weekly with this latest iteration of "officiating."
Yes, it can continue and probably will, especially against the "big" clubs.
Yes, it can continue and probably will, especially against the "big" clubs.
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1 Posted 21/08/2026 at 11:04:23