Sean Dyche was able to keep Everton in the Premier League last season but his Toffees look set to have yet another battle with the drop for the 23/24 campaign. We review the odds Betfred are offering on Everton in the key betting markets heading into the new season…

Last Season: 15th

Top Scorer: Phillip Billing (7)

Transfers In: Arnaut Danjuma – Villarreal, Loan. Ashley Young – Aston Villa, Free.

Transfers Out: Moise Kean – Juventus, £30m, Ellis Simms – Coventry, £7m, Niels Nkounkou – St. Etieene, £2m, Yerry Mina – Fiorentina, Free, Asmie Begovic – QPR, Free, Tom Davies – Released, Andros Townsend – Released.

First game: Fulham (H)

I am firmly of the belief that the next two sentences I type will be the key for Everton for the upcoming season. If Dominic Calvert-Lewin is healthy and starts 30+ Premier League games, Everton will not be in the relegation mix. If on the other hand he plays very few games and continues to struggle to get healthy, they will be right down in the mire.

Having a striker who can score goals in the top flight can elevate a poor side into an average one. We saw this with Everton a year ago and also at Leeds where Patrick Bamford’s struggles with staying healthy were a key reason for their eventual relegation from the top flight. We’ve seen that DCL has plenty of qualities, can lead the line, work the channels and all importantly score the goals that can turn defeats into draws and draws into wins.

Moise Kean and Ellis Simms have both departed Goodison Park this summer further exposing the lack of options Dyche has up top should Calvert-Lewin fall short in his battle for fitness. They have finally signed winger Arnaut Danjuma on loan following his expected arrival in January, only for Spurs to usurp the deal at the last moment. That is a nice signing at this level but is he the difference maker? I’m dubious. Ashley Young is another newcomer with the veteran full-back adding much needed depth to the quad.

Plenty of questions will surround Dele Alli and whether the former England star man can turn around his stalling career. Whether he stays at Everton or moves on is still very much still up in the air as of the time of writing but if he can get to anywhere near his best then he’ll be one of the very best players plying their trade with a team expected to be in a relegation battle.

Amadou Onana is an emerging star in the centre of the park and he’s right up there with Calvert-Lewin in terms of importance to Everton’s survival chances. Even though he is only 21, the Belgian midfielder showed plenty of glimpses of his raw athleticism that can lead to him taking over the game in central areas. Should he continue to progress then long-term he’ll be on the radar of Champions League level teams.

Sean Dyche is dealing with a tough transfer market due to Everton’s FFP issues but he has been around the block as it were and can keep Everton just about away from trouble. Should he have striking issues though then another season of strife seems likely at Goodison.