Everton 2026-27 Preview: Can Moyes Bounce Back?

A Season of Two Halves

Everton enter the 2026-27 Premier League campaign with a sense of cautious optimism, yet the shadow of last season's dramatic collapse looms large. According to the Guardian's season preview, the Toffees enjoyed a remarkable first four-fifths of the previous campaign, free from the fear of relegation and playing with a proactive, front-footed style that reignited hope among supporters. That hope peaked on 21 March when Everton dismantled Chelsea in their finest performance at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium, leaving them just three points off the fifth and final Champions League qualification spot.

However, the final stretch proved disastrous. Everton failed to win another game all season, sliding to 13th on the final day—the same position as the previous campaign under Sean Dyche and Moyes, with only one point more and an inferior goal difference. This collapse has cast doubt on whether the club can truly progress under David Moyes, who returned for a second spell in charge.

Recruitment: Modest but Sensible

In response, Everton have adopted a modest but sensible recruitment strategy this summer, befitting the club's new air of stability. While no major signings have been announced, the club has focused on strengthening key areas without disrupting the squad harmony. One player who has caught the eye during pre-season is Thierno Barry, who has shown promising signs according to the Guardian. The young forward could be set for a more prominent role as Moyes looks to inject fresh energy into an attack that struggled in the final weeks of last season.

The loss of 10 players following the expiry of contracts has also shaped the squad, but the club's measured approach suggests a long-term vision rather than short-term fixes. With the new stadium now a settled home, Everton hope to build on the foundations laid last year.

Key Questions for Moyes

The big question is whether Moyes can arrest the decline that saw his team's form plummet in the spring. The Guardian notes that "talk of progress requires more supporting evidence this time around." The pressure is on the experienced manager to prove that the early-season promise was not a fluke and that he can guide the team to a more consistent campaign.

Everton's predicted position by Guardian writers is 10th, a modest improvement on last season's 13th-place finish but still short of the European ambitions that seemed realistic in March. To achieve that, Moyes will need to address the tactical issues that led to the late-season slump and ensure his squad maintains focus over the full 38 games.

Looking Ahead

As the new season approaches, Everton fans will be eager to see if their team can recapture the form that made them one of the league's most exciting sides in the first half of last season. With a stable club structure, a settled home, and sensible recruitment, the pieces are in place for a bounce-back. But as the Guardian's preview suggests, actions on the pitch will speak louder than words.

For those looking to follow Everton's journey, our Premier League predictions page offers insights and analysis for every match. And for daily betting tips, check out today's AI betting tips. Stay updated with the latest football news as the season unfolds.