Everton Premier League 2014/15 Prediction: Lukaku Arrival Marks Statement of Intent at Goodison

Last season

Premier League: 5<sup>th

FA Cup: Sixth round

League Cup: Third round

Top Scorer: Romelu Lukaku (16)

Summer's work

After his excellent loan spell at the club last season, Romelu Lukaku has joined Roberto Martinez's side for a club record fee thought to be the region of £28m. The typically prudent Toffees have also added the impressive Bosnian Muhamed Besic to their ranks while Gareth Barry has returned to Goodison Park after being released by Manchester City. But it is perhaps Everton's internal deals that have illustrated the club's statement of intent in the most emphatic fashion. Ross Barkley and John Stones have both committed to long term deals despite interest from the Premier League's elite in moves that epitomise the club's growing ambition.

After the success loan deals for Lukaku, Barry and Gerard Deulofeu brought the club last term, Martinez is looking to work his magic again with a deal for Chelsea starlet Christian Atsu close to completion.

Manager – Roberto Martinez

The hugely likable Spaniard arrived on Merseyside to fill the void left by the departing David Moyes. Fifteen months later the Scot's reign is forgotten after Martinez's implementation of fresh attacking verve coupled with meticulous tactical structure that saw the club threaten to claw their way into the top four last term. Ultimately, the limitations in his squad prevented that from happening but the exuberance of the former Wigan boss has instilled at Goodison has been infectious. Martinez has a plan the entire club have bought into.

Key player – Ross Barkley

After a chastening experience with England, Barkley will begin the new campaign having come of age. The 21-year-old's influence was often so paramount to Everton's compelling campaign last term and as his game continues to grow more refined; his presence will soon become synonymous with any success the club experience.

Expectations

With Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur expected to get their acts together under new regimes, Everton might not find things as straight forward as they were last term. The club have bucked a trend and held onto all of their coveted players in Seamus Coleman, Leighton Baines, Barkley and Stones over the past year and have turned those excellent loan moves into permanent ones, but whether the current squad has the depth to continue their push to the top four until May remains to be seen. A return to the Europa League, the first foray into Europe's second competition since the 2009/10 season, will put their league ambitions under further scrutiny.

Prediction

Everton will continue thrive under Martinez's guidance by revivals at Old Trafford and White Hart Lane could halt their rise up the table. 6<sup>th