Why Everton Are About to Humble the Premier League’s Pretenders in 2025/26

Every summer, the same question is whispered in pubs, podcasts, and prediction panels: who will surprise everyone this season? Most of the time, attention is lazily diverted to the usual suspects—some overhyped newcomers or a chaotic big name that people hope will somehow pull themselves together.

But this year, those watching closely will know there’s a far more credible candidate—Everton. Under the experienced hand of David Moyes, the Toffees have stabilised, improved, and most importantly, laid the foundations for a serious push back into the top half of the table.

The Sleeping Giant Stirring Again

• Everton’s renaissance under David Moyes has gone under the radar, but the signs point to a breakout campaign.
• While rivals crumble under mismanagement and bloated squads, Everton are building quietly—and smartly.
• A top-half finish is not just possible—it’s probable if the current trajectory continues.

It’s no longer a club in crisis. The toxicity of the Dyche era—where football was reduced to scraping goalless draws and the team looked like it had run out of ideas—has been washed away. Moyes has taken control, and the impact is already measurable.

Moyes Makes a Real Football Team

There’s a stark contrast between the tactically lifeless side Sean Dyche left behind and the increasingly coherent unit Moyes has sculpted. Under Dyche, the side were rigid, scared to attack, and running on borrowed time. It wasn’t sustainable. He admitted it himself—he’d taken the club as far as he could.

Now, there’s a defined system and visible intent. In Moyes’ second spell, Everton have lost just two of their last thirteen matches. That’s not a purple patch—that’s a team learning how to win again. They’re not flashy, but they are organised, driven, and difficult to break down.

Meanwhile, around them, other so-called challengers are wobbling. Crystal Palace are heading into the new season stripped of talent and possibly direction. Wolves have lost key men and offer no evidence they can push on. Brentford look fragile, trying to replace both a tactical identity and top performers in one go. Forest are about to realise just how hard Europe bites when you don’t have the squad depth—and they’re losing key players like Anthony Elanga and potentially Morgan Gibbs-White.

Our Best Bet for 2025/26 Season

Everton’s Core Is Solid and Growing

In stark contrast, Everton’s foundation is becoming one of the most quietly impressive in the league.

Jarrad Branthwaite has extended his contract and is emerging as one of the most complete young defenders in the league. Calm on the ball, strong in the air, and already marshalling the defence with maturity beyond his years. He’s not a project anymore—he’s the real deal.

Thierno Barry arrives after netting 11 goals in La Liga last season. This is a forward with mobility, sharpness, and the kind of predatory instinct Everton have sorely lacked since Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s form nosedived. Alongside Barry, Iliman Ndiaye is coming off a promising debut season with 11 goals. He isn’t just scoring—he’s growing in confidence and could be a key piece in unlocking stubborn defences.

Midfield? Also strengthening. Carlos Alcaraz has been signed permanently following an impressive loan. His balance of energy and creativity brings something Everton haven’t had in years. And Moyes is reportedly pushing hard to reunite with Tomas Soucek, a player he knows well and clearly trusts. Add James Garner, who’s become a quiet leader, and the core is both technically capable and mentally resilient.

---

While Others Gamble, Everton Build

While Everton are making deliberate, thoughtful additions, the rest of the chasing pack are making increasingly desperate moves or failing to address major issues.

Manchester United continue to sink in the mire of indecision. Their squad remains bloated with underperforming big names, and they still can’t figure out how to defend as a unit. The idea they’ll suddenly leap forward is pure fantasy.

Tottenham are rumoured to be eyeing exciting names, but we’ve seen this film before. New ownership drama, managerial turnover, and an imbalance between attack and defence means they’re likely to remain a Jekyll and Hyde team. Leeds and Burnley have just come up, and history is firmly against them—six promoted clubs have gone straight back down in the last two seasons. Why should we believe Sunderland, Leeds or Burnley will buck the trend?

Even Brighton, once darlings of the ‘smart recruitment’ crowd, are starting to feel the weight of constant turnover. Joao Pedro has gone. The conveyor belt isn’t turning fast enough anymore. Their margins are shrinking, not expanding.

And West Ham? Fans are already revolting after losing Mohammed Kudus. With other departures expected, and no clear vision under Keith Andrews, their drop-off could be steep.

---

Identity Is Everton’s Advantage

What Everton now have is identity. A manager with authority. A team that plays with structure. And for the first time in years, some optimism about recruitment.

Barry, Alcaraz, and the pursuit of players like Doak and Longstaff show a recruitment plan that isn’t chasing headlines but is focused on plugging specific gaps. There’s even clarity around full-back roles—with Tagliafico linked to add experience, and Jake O’Brien pushing for more time.

Let’s not forget that this will be the first full season at their brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium. The emotional weight of leaving Goodison Park is real, but so is the opportunity this new home presents. A near-53,000 capacity crowd roaring on a team finally worth supporting—that atmosphere will help them grind out the extra points that make the difference between 11th and 8th.

---

Our Take

It’s time to stop thinking of Everton as an afterthought. They’re not a side scraping around the bottom any more—they’re a team reawakening with purpose. Moyes hasn’t just kept them up; he’s reshaped them entirely.

Where the big spenders flounder in chaos, and the mid-table battlers fumble with transition, Everton are consistent. They’ve got a team of players who fit, a manager who knows what he wants, and a style that brings results.

The idea that they can’t finish in the top half is based more on outdated perception than current reality. They ended last season stronger than most and have only improved in the transfer market. Put simply, if you’re dismissing Everton’s chances this season, you’re not paying attention.

✅Final Prediction and Suggested Bet

Everton’s post-January form under David Moyes, smart transfer activity, and a clearly defined playing style make them a solid pick to break into the top 10. While their rivals lose direction and cohesion, the Toffees are doing the opposite. At 2/1, this is exceptional value in a chaotic market.

Suggested Bet: Everton Top 10 Finish – 2/1

---

Enhance your betting game with our daily free betting tips, predictions, and accumulators.

For more betting tips and news, check out:

• Tennis Tips
• Our Comprehensive Betting News

Don’t forget to visit our Free Bets page for the best possible value as well as our Predictions.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips

Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!

Selected Bookmakers Offers