Everton host Tottenham Hotspur in their opening Premier League fixture on Saturday afternoon as they look for a much-improved campaign under Ronald Koeman.
Spurs make the journey to Merseyside having finished last season on a negative note, and head coach Mauricio Pochettino will be keen to ensure that they do not suffer a hangover from losing second place to Arsenal in May.
Everton
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When Koeman was linked with a switch to Everton, many wondered why the Dutchman would contemplate a move from a club whom he had just helped to sixth place in the Premier League but after it became clear that he did not receive the backing that he desired at Southampton, the Toffees were the next logical choice if he was to remain in English football.
Only time will tell whether Koeman can lead Everton into a new era but for now, the general consensus is that Southampton's loss is the Merseyside club's gain and there is real hope ahead of what could turn out to be an exciting season for the blue half of Liverpool.
The club are reportedly in the middle of pushing through more transfers but for now, the signing of Ashley Williams has been warmly received, especially coming so soon after the exit of John Stones to Manchester City.
Idrissa Gueye has also arrived from Aston Villa to add some much-needed steel in the centre of the park, and if a centre-back and winger are signed before the end of the week, Koeman will be relatively pleased with the make-up of his squad.
Ahead of Saturday's opening game, the major issue to clear up is the future of Romelu Lukaku, who continues to be linked with a move away from the North-West, but Koeman has suggested that the club will do everything they can to keep hold of last season's top goalscorer despite potentially receiving double the fee that they paid for him two years ago.
Everton have been handed a relatively tame start to the season and Koeman will expect his team to feature in the top six come the start of October, but that could hinge on the outcome of their showdown with Spurs and it is imperative that they come out of it with at least a point.
Recent form: WWLLDL
Tottenham Hotspur
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Last season, Tottenham Hotspur enjoyed their best season in the top flight for 26 years but their campaign ended on a sour note as they conceded second place to North London rivals Arsenal on the last day.
Head coach Pochettino will be keen to take all of the positives from an excellent nine-month period for the club but getting so near to gaining the bragging rights over their bitter enemies and missing out could hinder their efforts this month.
A trip to Everton is not the ideal fixture to try to show that there are no long-lasting effects but Pochettino will see it as a chance to hit the ground running and show that they can build on their exploits from last year.
Many will look to the signing of Vincent Janssen as giving the side an extra dimension going forward but the arrival of Victor Wanyama could prove to be equally pivotal, and having another tough-tackling player to work alongside Eric Dier may do wonders for the Lilywhites on the road.
The club's supporters would have had fears over Harry Kane suffering burn-out after his lacklustre showings for England at Euro 2016, but he has shown in pre-season that he is ready to resume responsibility at the head of Spurs' attack.
Earning three points at a revitalised Everton may be too much to ask on the opening day of the season but if they show a similar clinical touch to the one they displayed against Inter Milan earlier this month, they could make a statement this weekend.
Recent form: LLW
Team News
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Koeman revealed in his pre-match press conference that Lukaku is a major doubt for Saturday's game as he continues to recover from a cut sustained last weekend.
The Toffees coach has also said that Williams will not be ready to make his debut for the club but Phil Jagielka could feature after making his comeback from injury last week.
There is also concern over the fitness of full-back Seamus Coleman, who has picked up a problem in training.
The main news coming out of the Spurs camp is the return of defender Jan Vertonghen, who has been injured since Euro 2016.
However, the Belgian could be restricted to a place on the bench with Kevin Wimmer potentially starting alongside Toby Alderweireld.
Everton possible starting lineup:
Stekelenburg, Holgate, Jagielka, Funes Mori, Baines, Barry, Gueye, Lennon, Barkley, Mirallas, Kone
Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:
Lloris, Walker, Alderweireld, Wimmer, Rose; Dier, Wanyama; Lamela, Eriksen, Alli; Kane
Head To Head
Saturday's fixture represents the 172nd time that the two clubs have played each other since 1904, with Spurs winning 63 times in comparison to 55 triumphs for Everton.
Rather surprisingly, Everton have gone seven games without a win against Spurs, with their last success coming in December 2012.
However, both of last season's games ended in low-scoring stalemates with the most recent clash finishing 1-1 at Goodison Park.
We say: Everton 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
After their dismal performances at home last season, Koeman knows that he must motivate his players to pick up many more points at Goodison Park and that should result in an high-energy display on Saturday. However, Spurs are always a threat on the break and we feel that the two sides will cancel each other out.
Darren Plant
