Everton resume their season at Manchester City on Saturday, looking to build on the impetus of a euphoric last-gasp win against previously unbeaten Crystal Palace.
Jack Grealish got his first Everton goal in that game but, frustratingly, he won’t be able to build on it at the Etihad Stadium as he can’t play against his former club.
After that, Tottenham come to Hill Dickinson Stadium, before a tricky looking trip to in-form Sunderland on a Monday night.
The Palace victory brought to an end a mini skid of three games without a win and has Everton sitting comfortably in eighth in the Premier League.
Away from the pitch, there was a huge boost this week when Jordan Pickford signed a new long-term deal – as Daily Mail Sport reported would be the case in September.
There has been much to discuss about the Blues and here, our Everton expert DOMINIC KING answers your questions.
Jack Grealish’s euphoric last-gasp winner against Crystal Palace sealed a much-needed victory for Everton heading into the international break
Everton have struggled at the Etihad in recent years (who hasn’t!) – last winning there in December 2010, when Leighton Baines (right) scored in a 2-1 win
What are the club’s plans for the January transfer window?
Planning is well underway to strengthen again in the winter. The summer was a challenging window, with so much upheaval, but Everton came out of it well, albeit everyone behind the scenes knows there is still so much work to be done.
There are targets and areas they want to address – right back being one, having struggled to find a consistent solution there.
And the task will be made easier as key people have been appointed into important roles, not least James Smith, a long-term ally of Moyes, who is now free to start work after leaving City. His eye for a player is impeccable.
Smith was Everton head of technical scouting from 2003-13 in Moyes’ first spell and followed him to Manchester United. He became director of scouting and recruitment at City Football Group in November 2023.
How do you rate our chances of signing Jack Grealish permanently next summer?
Great question. For starters, it won’t be for a £50million fee, as was mooted in some places earlier this summer.
That is what Grealish is valued at on Manchester City’s asset sheet at present but in 12 months’ time there will be a depreciation in that price.
Everton have given Grealish a platform to enjoy his football again and he has been bowled over by the…