25 Apr 2019 06:53:54
I have to say, top six doesn't look as difficult to break into now as it did mid season. Take for instance,

Man Utd. They are in trouble. More trouble than OGS can fix yet they will have to stick with him. They need a clear out and that means transition which will make them very beatable next season. Don't expect them to be pushing for CL, which could mean that they are reachable.

Arsenal. Unless they buy a top class defender and a warrior of a midfielder then it's same old arsenal and that means they will be reachable too

Chelsea. Ok, they will definitely be changing manager but also losing Hazard. They will not be able to replace him so whoever takes over will have problems from the start.

Spurs. Just don't know what kind of a window they will have. They are quality and battered us this season, but we were awful and a different team. It'll be interesting how we do on the final day of the season against them.

City and them are out on their own, but why can't we have a say in who gets 3rd - 6th.

After seeing us roundly beat 3 of the top six recently and with the summer tweaks to the squad in place, I see no reason why we can't get amongst them if we can continue to make Goodison a fortress and eliminate games like Fulham and Newcastle. I'm gutted there's only 3 games left but looking forward to a productive summer and hopefully continue this form into next season.

1.) 25 Apr 2019
25 Apr 2019 10:14:51
Toffee Ace - Agree. It's going to be a very interesting season next season. Liverpool and City will be challenging again, and if Spurs can keep hold of their stars then they will be up there too.

Utd will throw money at the problem - then it's up to Ole to make it click. Arsenal will improve under Emery as he builds his team and Chelsea have the transfer ban to deal with.

With any luck we can capitalise on a slip - but you would put us in a group alongside Leicester and Wolves as the teams to take advantage. Wolves look best placed right now if we're honest. And dare I say whoever doesn't finish 7th (and get Europa) this season may have the best chance next.

But we shouldn't kid ourselves how far away we are. Even with the great wins we are 15 points behind the top 6. I'm a fan of Silva and Brands and think we are heading in a positive direction, but let's focus on improving and continuing to build a young exciting team - if we do that then who knows what can happen.

2.) 25 Apr 2019
25 Apr 2019 13:00:27
While I like your optimism I don’t think we should be getting carried away.

2 of our better players this season are on loan (gomes and Zouma) if we don’t sign these we then have to find suitable replacements. Then Keane has to develop a new centre back partnership which will take time.

Richarlison is allegedly being watched by the big fish so if we lose him again need to replace which won’t be easy.

You’ve also not mentioned wolves, have performed really well this season and have secured jiminez on a permanent deal and will probably strengthen in the summer.

If we can keep our current starting 11 and add a few extra quality additions then top 6 is achievable, however we have to keep Richarlison and sign Gomes and Zouma to give us the vest chance.

3.) 25 Apr 2019
25 Apr 2019 17:27:17
I don’t think Richarlison will go this year but we won’t keep him forever. I will be surprised if we don’t get Gomez as he seems a decent sort that would stick around if we struck a deal with Barcelona although I know how interfering agents can be. Now Zouma is different. With Chelsea being banned from making signings, even if they were willing it would definitely be premium. And the player is also playing his cards close to his chest.

My optimism is based on this corner we seemed to have turned verses the troubles that the teams above us are having.

Regarding wolves. I don’t deny they are a tidy outfit, but second season will be different and teams will not be surprised by them as they have been this season. But you’re right, they are amongst us too.

4.) 25 Apr 2019
25 Apr 2019 20:00:57
Wolves could very well struggle but if they do some good business then they could sustain.
They have a small squad and 1 or 2 injuries to their better players could see them do a Bournemouth.

Leicester Will be an interesting one. How much will they give Brenda.

Watford will have to spend some money and keep hold of Doucore to compete.

West Ham will no doubt spend big, but as usual it will be on over the hill injury prone half decent players. I see them maybe around 8th - 13th somewhere.

And of course there will be one surprise package as usual but it's anyone's guess who that could be.

Personally, if we can tie up Gomes and Zouma I wouldn't want to be bringing too many more in. Maybe improved competition for Dom, Coleman and Siggy. Bring back Holgate and hopefully Onyekuru.

Ship out Lookman (only for money purposes) , Besic, Vlasic, Dowell, Martina, mirallas, Bolasie and possibly Sandro, although I think he could get back to his best under Silva.

5.) 25 Apr 2019
25 Apr 2019 21:50:26
Consistency is the key word. In some games we have been quite brilliant but in others absolutely non existent as a team. We do look good going forwards at times but there was a period where we gave away so many set pieces and then defended them like a relegation team. I am happy Silva has sorted some sort of passing game again. We look like a great team at times. We now need to sort defending and whilst clean sheets are important I agree DCL has great potential he has not yet added goals to his game. Hopefully he will soon. One thing is that we are going in the right direction again. We may end up lower than last season but that does not bother me. As long as we continue to gel better we will become a good team.