Everton kick off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with an away game against Leeds United on Monday.
David Moyes and his side will be capping off the opening weekend of the season in Yorkshire.
Excitement is building on Merseyside on the back of Everton signing Jack Grealish to a season-long loan deal earlier this week.
Naturally, there have been some setbacks along the way, though.
Everton will be without Jarrad Branthwaite through injury, after the defender suffered a hamstring issue in training.
However, optimism remains high around Finch Farm, despite Owen Hargreaves predicting Everton to finish 15th.
Perhaps surprisingly, Michael Owen has now shared his prediction for Everton’s season, and it may surprise a number of people.
Michael Owen expects Everton to shock a lot of people
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall finally thinks Everton are showing ambition this summer as they prepare for their move into the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
A big season could be on the horizon for the Blues, with Everton boasting quality players like Grealish at their disposal.
Speaking to the Premier League, Owen has named Everton as his potential ‘surprise package’ for the 2025/26 campaign.
‘With a new stadium and new ownership, a couple of new players – and I think there will be more signings, David Moyes has got a lot of momentum there at the moment,’ he said.
‘I think there’s a feel-good factor around the club and I can see them being in the top half and possibly challenging for Europe.’
Moyes is targeting European qualification this season on the back of what has been a huge summer for the club on all fronts.
A lot will need to go in Everton’s favour for this to happen, with injuries already causing the Blues headaches on Merseyside.
Everton fans have a lot to be excited about this season
The new season marks a fresh start for Everton under the Friedkins, following their takeover late last year.
Everton will be hoping to make a brighter start to the season than they did last time out, though.
Paul Merson is predicting Everton to beat Leeds on Monday evening, with a ‘gulf in class’ between the two squads.
A familiar face could be on display as Dominic Calvert-Lewin nears a move to Leeds, but they’re up against the clock to get that deal sealed.
Moving on from players like Calvert-Lewin is exactly why fans should be excited about this season, with a completely new look to the Everton attack.
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