Everton F.C. are entering the 2025/26 Premier League season with a sense of renewal and anticipation. After 133 years at Goodison Park, the club is set to play its home games at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock. This move symbolises a fresh chapter for the Toffees, who are determined to leave behind recent struggles and embrace a new era under returning manager David Moyes.
The upcoming season begins with Everton travelling to Elland Road to face newly-promoted Leeds United on 18 August, a fixture set for Monday Night Football. Just five days later, Everton will welcome Brighton & Hove Albion for their first competitive match at their new stadium, a momentous occasion for both the club and its supporters.
Fixture Highlights: Merseyside Derbies and Key Clashes
The Premier League fixture list has handed Everton a challenging but exciting schedule. The first Merseyside derby against Liverpool is set for 20 September, with the return fixture scheduled for 18 April at Hill Dickinson Stadium. These matches are always fiercely contested and will be especially significant this season as Everton fans experience their first derby in the new ground.
The festive period brings a demanding run, including back-to-back games against Chelsea and Arsenal in December. Everton will also face Nottingham Forest twice that month, with an away trip to Burnley on 27 December. The season concludes with a high-profile away match against Tottenham Hotspur on 24 May, following a penultimate home fixture against reigning champions Manchester City.
Squad Changes: Farewell to Calvert-Lewin, New Faces Needed
This summer marks a period of transition for Everton’s squad. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a key figure for the Toffees over the past nine years, has announced his departure. The striker’s exit leaves a significant gap up front, and supporters are eager to see how the club will respond in the transfer market. Calvert-Lewin’s time at Everton was marked by crucial goals and a strong connection with fans, despite injury setbacks that limited his impact in recent seasons.
David Moyes and the club’s recruitment team face the challenge of rebuilding the squad. There are calls from fans and pundits alike for reinforcements in several positions, especially at centre-forward and in midfield. The recent permanent signing of Carlos Alcaraz has been well received, with supporters praising his composure and creativity in midfield. However, further additions are expected as Everton look to strengthen for a competitive campaign.
Moyes Returns: Stability and Ambition
David Moyes’ return to Everton midway through last season brought renewed optimism. After a difficult start under Sean Dyche, which saw the club battling near the relegation zone, Moyes steadied the ship and guided Everton to safety. His focus on defensive solidity and team spirit has been evident, with Everton boasting one of the league’s best records for goals conceded away from home last season.
Moyes has spoken about the importance of finishing strongly and setting higher standards for the squad. He aims to build a team capable of challenging for a top-half finish, a target that would represent significant progress given recent campaigns. The manager’s experience and connection with the club have made him a popular figure among fans, many of whom believe he is the right person to lead Everton into their new era.
Pre-Season and Summer Series: Preparation for the Campaign
Everton’s pre-season schedule includes friendlies against Accrington Stanley and Blackburn Rovers, followed by participation in the Summer Series in the United States. The Toffees will face Bournemouth, West Ham United, and Manchester United across various American cities, providing valuable preparation and exposure ahead of the Premier League kick-off.
A home friendly against Roma at Hill Dickinson Stadium will serve as a final test before the league campaign begins. These matches offer Moyes an opportunity to integrate new signings, assess tactical options, and build cohesion within the squad.
Supporter Sentiment: Optimism and Realism
After several seasons of uncertainty, Evertonians are cautiously optimistic about the future. The move to a state-of-the-art stadium, the return of a trusted manager, and the prospect of a refreshed squad have all contributed to a positive mood among the fanbase. However, there is also an understanding that rebuilding will take time, and patience will be required as the club adapts to new surroundings and personnel.
Everton’s recent track record in the Premier League has been mixed, with the club finishing 13th last season and narrowly avoiding relegation the year before. Bookmakers currently give Everton long odds for relegation, reflecting improved stability and a belief that Moyes can guide the team to a safer, more ambitious position in the table.
Conclusion
The 2025/26 season promises to be one of the most significant in Everton’s long history. The combination of a new stadium, a new-look squad, and the steady hand of David Moyes offers hope for progress and renewed pride. Supporters will be eager to see how the team performs in early fixtures, especially the first home games and the Merseyside derbies.
As Everton embark on this new chapter, the focus will be on building momentum, integrating fresh talent, and making Hill Dickinson Stadium a fortress. With a demanding fixture list and high expectations, the Toffees will need resilience and unity to make the most of the opportunities ahead. For Everton and their fans, the journey begins now.
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