Everton Preview on ESPN Star Sports

So the season starts today and Everton will meet visiting Arsenal at Goodison Park. Check out my comments on ESPN Star Sports http://www.espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news/detail/item306856/ or read from below.

What is the best / worst your club can achieve this coming season?
Back in the 90s, it was a shuddering time for Evertonians as the club seemed only interested in fighting relegation battles. Now, Evertonians are still shuddering because David Moyes always leave it late when buying players to bolster the squad. Yes, we managed to bring back Marouane Fellaini's "twin brother" big-haired Jo, to the club. But there are no other major signings. So finishing in the top four is the best that Evertonians can hope for. The worst that can happen would be mid-table mediocrity.

Who is your key player?
Mikel Arteta with his silky dribbling skills is definitely a key player, but he's currently injured. As of now, it has to be the show-stopper, ball catcher, goal-post protector, Tim Howard. He's been consistent in his performance and last season, he set a club record of keeping 15 clean sheets.

Who is the unsung hero in your team?
I'd say Leighton Baines. He is a class act but in his first season with Everton, he was kept at the sidelines with Phil Jagielka, Joseph Yobo and Joleon Lescott playing extremely well. It was rumoured that David Moyes was ready to offload Bainesy in January 2009. But the saving grace came when Yobo suffered an injury, and lil' Bainsey played his heart out and he had even earned himself two player-of-the-month awards. Thank God Moyes did not sell him!

Who is a waste of space?
I'm fear Phil Neville is fast becoming the chink in Everton's armour. I feel his reading of the game is deteriorating and it seems that in most games last season, he'd either make at least one strong but useless challange that will give away a dangerous free kick to the opposition or, he will just give the ball away.

Describe your best moment of last season.
Any win over our Merseyside neighbour - Liverpool - will bring about euphoria! Evertonians know what I'm driving at - The FA Cup fourth round replay win over Liverpool! Youngster Dan Gosling scored an exquisite extra-time goal. Sweet!

Is David Moyes the right person for the job?
Other than Howard Kendall, no modern day manager has brought more glory and hope to Everton than David Moyes. He gave the fans the belief that we are good enough to stay in the top six.

Which area do you think your team needs strengthening?
It'll be easier to say which area the team needs strengthening if I know whether Lescott and Steven Pienaar is leaving or not. But if I don't take these two players into consideration, I'd say we need to strengthen our midfield. We need a good right winger to put in those crosses. Arteta had operated on the right wing before but he's more effective through the centre. Pienaar can operate in that position but he has made the left wing position his own.

Young player to look out for?
Jack Rodwell! He has been lighting up the stage with his skills and excellent passing. He earned plaudits with his performance during the 2009 European Championship. He even scored a wonderful headed goal in the match against Germany U21. Can't wait to see him back in action with the start of the new Barclays Premier League season.

Can Everton break into the Top Four this season?
Everton in the top four? Only if Arsenal continue to sell their players, and the "galacticos" of Manchester City start to trip over each other. If not, top six would be a reasonable target.

Name your all-time favourite player at the club.
It has and will always be Duncan Ferguson. I love the way he cowed players to submission. Above and beyond that, Ferguson has a knack for scoring wonderful headers. He has a slight height advantage over opposing defenders as he's 6ft4in (1.93 metres).

Which three teams will be relegated this season?
After last season's relegation of Newcastle United, no other Premiership clubs can say that they are too good to go down. Also, with all the financial woes, clubs could increase their chances of relegation by not spending wisely. Also, there's always at least one promoted club that will head back down to the Championship. So here's my pick. 1. Portsmouth - They are literally broke and are selling their top players. 2. Hull - Don't think they have the players to keep their heads above waters. 3. Burnley - They have one of the smallest squads in the league and because of that, I don't think they can last the distance.