Everton (last season: 6th; currently: 6th)
The Toffees have improved in style under Roberto Martinez but remain in a similar position to David Moyes’ functional team. As in the Scot’s days, Everton’s first team is capable of beating anyone – as they did against Chelsea and Manchester City earlier in the season – but they lack the squad depth of fourth placed rivals Liverpool and Tottenham. Romelu Lukaku’s injury has already left Everton short on goals, with Steven Naismith an unworthy deputy, and the Belgian’s presence was sorely missed in the 1-0 defeat at Tottenham, where the visitors dominated but were unable to score.
But Martinez built a reputation at Wigan for finishing the season strongly and Everton face Arsenal, Manchester United and Man City at Goodison Park before the end of the season, as well as trip to Chelsea. Win three of those, and there’s a slim chance the Merseysiders could claw back the eight points to fourth. Defeats, however, could see them slip below Manchester United into seventh.
Verdict: Everton to fall away in the final third of the season. 7th.
COMMENTS