After the highs of 2013-14, Everton came crashing back down to earth with a bump last season.
Roberto Martinez's men had gone from a side that looked to be genuine contenders for a top-four place to one that was forced to look nervously over their shoulder at the relegation zone.
Their participation in the Europa League copped much of the blame, but whatever the reason, finishing in 11th spot was regarded a major disappointment by everyone connected with the club.
It means that as far as the forthcoming campaign is concerned, an improvement is being demanded, particularly by the supporters. Here, Sports Mole assesses if that is something that the team will be able to deliver.
In
Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Gerard Deulofeu (Barcelona)
Out
Antolin Alcaraz (Released), Sylvain Distin (AFC Bournemouth)
Last season - 11th
Manager - Roberto Martinez
© Getty Images
In the summer of 2014, Martinez's stock could hardly have been higher. The job done by David Moyes at Goodison Park was rightly lauded, but it seemed that the Spaniard had taken the Toffees on to another level. Perhaps they did spurn a place in the Champions League when well placed, yet the style in which they played the game was particularly pleasing to the eye.
What a difference a year makes. At times last season Everton looked a sterile outfit, with much of the blame for that falling at Martinez's feet. Even so, he showed during his first season at the helm that he is capable of putting together a competitive side and with no European distractions, the expectation will be that the Merseysiders will be pushing for a place in the top six once again.
Key Player - Leighton Baines
He may have made an impressive nine assists last season, yet it did not feel like a vintage period for the left-back. The majority of those came from corners and set-piece deliveries, rather than crosses from open play. It seemed that Martinez had somewhat put the shackles on Baines and his fellow full-back Seamus Coleman, which resulted in a goal return for the England international of three - his lowest contribution since 2010-11.
Assuming that he is given more freedom to roam this time around, there is no reason why the 30-year-old cannot become one of the most effective attack-minded defenders in the Premier League again.
© AFP
Possible starting lineup
Howard; Baines, Jagielka, Stones, Coleman; Barry, Cleverley, McCarthy, Barkley, Deulofeu; Lukaku
First game: Watford (H) Full fixture list
Sports Mole says
This campaign could be a defining one for Martinez. The supporters at Goodison Park may be prepared to let one disappointing campaign slide, but two on the trot will not go down well with the natives. Quite simply, the Spaniard must get his team back to playing with the freedom that they did in 2013-14.
They did dominate possession, but unlike last season, there was always a purpose and quite often an end product. Keeping John Stones out of the clutches of Chelsea will help Martinez's cause, but he must also coax the best form out of youngsters Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku, assuming that the latter stays. The duo's progression has stalled over the last 12 months, but if they can both find the right track again, Everton should comfortably finish in the top half.
Prediction - 8th
Liam Apicella
