Everton Premier League Odds: Rodriguez arrival signals intent from the Toffees
Toffees desperate to kick on under Ancelotti
Everton underperformed last season, ending the campaign in 12th-place when many thought they'd be challenging for a top-six finish.
At times it did look as though the Toffees could mount a challenge for Europe, hovering in and around the upper reaches of mid-table, though a poor finish to their season during Project Restart - which saw the Blues win just one of their final seven games - dented any hopes of them competing in the Europa League this time out.
Indeed, with a full season for Carlo Ancelotti to get things right at Goodison Park there is hope among supporters of the club that this season will yield success, with a European finish the ultimate aim.
Everton statistics, 2019-20
Position: 12th, 49 points
Goals scored: 44 (11th)
Goals conceded: 56 (13th)
Top goalscorer: Dominic Calvert-Lewin & Richarlison (13 goals)
Most assists: Lucas Digne (7)
Most cards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (9 yellows)
Everton transfer news
James Rodriguez is expected to complete his £22m move from Real Madrid in the coming days. The Colombian midfielder saw opportunities in the Spanish capital become limited and has been on the lookout for a new club for some time now, and it appears he has now found it with his former Los Blancos manager Ancelotti in Merseyside.
This is one of the biggest signings in Everton's history and is an unbelievably huge coup for the club as they really look to kick on in 2020-21. Rodriguez was at the club's training ground for a medical on Friday afternoon and his move is expected to be finalised shortly.
Everton also signed highly-rated "technical destroyer" Allan from Napoli for £24m earlier this week. The 29-year-old lit up Serie A last term with his unique style of play - which revolves around winning back possession before beating players with his dazzling footwork and explosive athleticism - in turn capturing the attention of several of Europe's biggest clubs this summer.
The Blues won the race for his signature, however, with the allure of working with his former manager at Napoli, Ancelotti, proving a deciding factor for the Brazilian star.
Everton's spending hasn't stopped there, though, as the Blues have also reportedly agreed a deal with Watford for midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, worth £22m. The Frenchman has completed a medical at Everton and is expected to pen a four-year deal with the club in the coming days. The Blues' new midfield supplying Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin sure does make for an exciting prospect this term.
Morgan Schneiderlin has departed Goodison Park to make room for the above mentioned players, signing for Ligue 1 outfit Nice for £2m.
Incoming Everton signing Allan has arrived on Merseyside for his medical with the Toffees
Everton Premier League Odds, 2020-21
With all of their business considered, it's clear to see that Everton mean business. The Toffees have underperformed in recent seasons but with a world class manager at the helm and some really strong new signings it seems as though they will be in and around the European places in 2020-21.
Everton's price to finish in the top-six is currently 11/2 and I think that offers great value given their recent arrivals. Their price in the Premier League top-four betting market is 20/1 with certain firms, while the Goodison outfit are a 300/1 fancy to win their first ever Premier League title next May.
Last season's joint-top goalscorers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison are priced at odds of 50/1 and 80/1 respectively in the Premier League top goalscorer betting.
Rodriguez to be involved in 20+ goals?
There is a great deal of excitement around the imminent signing of James Rodriguez, and rightly so. The South American midfielder is expected to give Everton added dynamism this season, with his creativity in the final third predicted to hugely benefit the likes of Richarlison and DLC up front.
With 104 goals and 125 assists in his professional career, which has seen Rodriguez turn out of some of the world's biggest clubs, I can't wait to see him in the English top-flight and think he'll take to the style of football straight away.
Therefore, our special ante-post bet for Everton is Rodriguez to be involved in 20+ league goals in 2020-21 (goals + assists).
