Premier League Preview: Everton

This will be a strange season for Everton fans. With David Moyes departing to Old Trafford at the start of the summer they look forward to the new season under Roberto Martinez and will be once again pushing the top four or five as they look for a place in Europe.

Everton have so far managed to hold onto their big names but with Manchester United lurking around Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini, they will have a challenge to hold onto their star players. Much like Moyes chasing former players, Martinez himself has purchased all his summer signings from his old club Wigan, with the loan signing of Gerard Deulofeu the sole exception.

With a solid enough pre-season under his belt Martinez will now be looking to hold onto star players until the end of the window. Sadly for Everton I think that their financial restrictions mean they will not challenge for the top four but are most likely to end up around the same position they did last season. Martinez has added depth to the squad and should Baines and Fellaini go at least Martinez will have some finances to replace them so it shouldn't be too much of an issue. Another solid season for Everton coming up.

Key Man: Leighton Baines - In my opinion currently the best English defender, Everton will have a battle to keep hold of Baines. If they do, then expect another solid season from the attacking left back, especially with Martinez's preference for wing-backs, Baines will be given more chances to attack and continue his evergrowing partnership with Pienaar on the left wing

One to Watch: Kevin Mirallas - One of a whole host of fantastic young Belgians, Mirallas made a strong start to life in the Premier League last year. This season he can only get better and this attacking minded player is one of the Premier League's most underated players in my opinion.

Best Summer Signing: Gerard Deulofeu - Straight off of the infamous Barcelona production line, this season-long loan might just turn out to be one of the Summer's great coups. Played as either a winger or striker Deulofeu is tipped for great things in the future and what better way to start your career than a season in the Premier League.

Last Season: 6th

Pre-Season Prediction: 7th - Sorry Everton fans, I see a narrow loss to Liverpool, with or without Suarez.