We asked for your views on Everton’s chances of qualifying for European football this season, with just four fixtures left for David Moyes’ side to stake their claim.
Here are some of your thoughts:
Dan: My heart says yes, let’s push for Europe, it is a refreshing tonic to relegation scrambling. But my head is saying, is it such a good thing to be heading into Europe with a stretched squad at such an early stage in our rebuild under Moyes and the Friedkin group? Another season focusing on domestic competitions and building for Europe will surely help us avoid short-term relegation scrambling again.
Tim: I think the last couple of results, while not the final ones, have been substantial nails in the coffin of our European ambition. I don’t feel we have a big enough squad for Europe and we STILL need to sort out our striker situation. Next year for sure with some money spent well, but I think this is maybe a year too early for us. Not to take away from the excellent progress we’ve made, this year and the job David Moyes has done, but Europe this season may be too soon.
Daniel: I’m not sure we’re ready for European football. We’ve had a good season, a consolidation season. The team is gelling etc. We still don’t have the strength in depth to handle the additional fixtures. Maybe the extra cash could go on new squad players but I worry we’ll overstretch ourselves. I’d be happy to finish the season strongly, have a good summer transfer window, then maybe look to Europe next season.
Baz: After the West Ham result it is now 50/50 if we get Europe. While it would be great to be back and see the Toffees conquering all, I think it’s maybe a year too soon. We still have a big rebuilding job to do in the summer – full-backs, six, striker, plus cover for others, so focus on that and we will be targeting Champions League next year.
Gary: Yes I think we can. I do think we have the better run of fixtures. Moyes has to do something different at the front end. Barry in the last two games (Merseyside derby and West Ham) has been awful. I would have Ndiaye or George up top and the other on the left. Dibling needs more minutes and I think Graham from under-21s has a real shout as he is a prolific goalscorer but can he do it in the Premier League? You dont know until you try.
William: Everton into Europe? I don’t see this current squad being lethal enough yet. We are desperately short of a decent striker, yes every Evertonian knows that, but had we won a couple more games we would be almost there now. I’m happy not looking at the relegation zone this season and strengthening the weak areas for next season and see where we are then.