12th: Everton
This is another spot where I might surprise some people with Everton failing to reach the top half of the table this year. But I really struggle to see how the Toffees will be good enough to get that top 10 finish. They’ve had a very lackluster window with their only notable signings being 30 year old Andros Townsend and 25 year old Demarai Gray.
While Gray could still have some untapped potential I don’t really understand the Townsend signing. These might just be cheap replacements for Bernard and Joshua King who left the club this summer but they don’t seem to be first team challenging players. One positive the Toffees do have is Moise Kean returning from loan at PSG where he showed some glimpses of success.
Not only do they have a mostly unimproved squad but the surprise of manager Carlo Ancelotti leaving after one season to go to Real Madrid. Rafa Benitez will have some big shoes to fill as a lot of fans thought Ancelotti was building something special.
Big seasons from Calvert-Lewin and James Rodriguez will be needed if Everton want to surpass this 12th spot I have them at.