Everton have point to prove, and this is why they will be dangerous.

As the season was paused Everton were sitting in a disappointing 13th place, stumbling towards yet another season of mediocrity. Added to this the Toffees have only managed 1 win against a top 6 club. It is clear that Everton are striving to be an established top 6 club, with the signings of multiple high profile players, alongside, Carlo Ancelotti, a manager with 20 career trophies. Although, the game against fierce rivals Liverpool will be ultimately be meaningless in the grand scheme of things, a game against rivals always has an extra layer of intensity. 

There is no doubt that Everton will back Ancelotti, especially in financial terms. So, if Ancelotti deems that his current group of players are not good enough it is likely that many of them could be forced out of the Merseyside club. This means that from now until the conclusion of the season players, especially youngsters, will have to perform well in order to stake their place in Everton’s vision for the future. For example: Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be desperate to nail down the striker position, and this could mean that we see him step up a level during the remainder of the season. Additionally, Everton have won the Premier League U23 title twice in the last 3 seasons, showing that they have many talented players ready to step in if they are given the opportunity. 

Moreover, their Merseyside rivals, Liverpool, are the current Champions League holders, and have all but won their first Premier League title. This is the success that Everton fans can only dream of. But now with their own serial winner in charge, as well as owners with considerably deep pockets the expectations of Evertonians is likely to be increasingly ambitious. Everton are club with steeped in tradition and have a close connection to their fans, so will do all they can on the pitch to give their fans a reason to cheer after a painful season. 

There is no doubt that next season Everton will look to challenge for European Football. However, the end of this season will determine whether this will be with the current crop of Everton players, or if there will be a summer clear out. Regardless, Ancelotti has his sights set high, so players know that they’re playing for their Everton future.