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Louis Van Gaal certainly has a lot on his plate this summer. After guiding Holland as far as he possibly can in the World Cup, the 62-year-old must then oversee a hectic summer recruitment drive at Manchester United. With a warchest reported in some circles to be as substantial as £200 million, the Dutchman has already been linked with some of European football’s finest talents.

If the reports are to be believed, van Gaal has already identified Bastian Schweinsteiger as his main summer target. With Pep Guardiola having concerns over the 29 year old’s ability to recycle possession quick enough, a fee in the region of £25 million may be enough to tempt Bayern Munich to sell.

Whilst convincing Schweinsteiger to move to Old Trafford would be a real coup, the German won’t solve all of United’s midfield troubles single-handedly. With that in mind, here are EIGHT more midfielders at the World Cup that could follow the German to United this summer.

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Click on Arturo Vidal to begin

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ARTURO VIDAL

A player that Van Gaal has admitted he tried to sign from Bayer Leverkusen, Vidal could once again be on the move this summer. The latest reports suggest that Juventus are prepared to sell the midfielder to raise funds for a summer overhaul.

An all-round midfielder, the Chilean would bring bite and creativity to Old Trafford. Vidal netted eleven times and recorded five assists in Serie A last season, which makes his reported price tag of £24 million seem very reasonable.

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YOHAN CABAYE

Many United fans couldn’t believe that the Red Devils didn’t make a move for Cabaye when he was available at Newcastle. The playmaker possesses the creativity and range of passing that Moyes’ United side desperately lacked, as well as a clear eye for goal.

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Since moving though, Cabaye has struggled for game time at Paris Saint-Germain. Although there is no suggestion that the midfielder is ready to leave just yet, the promise of a starting berth at Old Trafford next season could be very difficult to turn down.

WILLIAM CARVALHO

Relatively unknown on these shores, Carvalho has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the last year. Having only become a mainstay in the Sporting Lisbon midfield this season, the 22 year old is now battling for a spot in Portugal’s starting eleven with Miguel Veloso.

For those of you that are completely unaware of the starlet, take a look at the video below.

//www.youtube.com/embed/Dld9uMC2jyE

However, despite the links with United, the 22 year old has stressed his commitment to his current club in the last month. If the Red Devils can’t negotiate Sporting down from their £35 million valuation, they would be wise to look elsewhere.

TONI KROOS

The midfielder identified by most United fans as their number one target this summer, United’s interest in the Schweinsteiger’s team-mate is believed to have cooled. David Moyes was very keen on the 24 year old but Van Gaal is believed to be looking at other options.

The German international has netted a number of impressive goals in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich.

//www.youtube.com/embed/IUXwiLUosYg

With just a year left on his contract at Bayern Munich though, rumours about Kroos’ future refuse to go away. If the deal was financially reasonable, it is difficult to imagine that United will turn down the opportunity to sign the German.

PAUL POGBA

Having seen his stock rise enormously since leaving Old Trafford, United fans must be wondering why Ferguson never gave the Frenchman a chance. Pogba has thrived since moving to Juventus and is now considered one of the finest young midfielders on the continent.

The 21 year old has already racked a number of impressive strikes in Turin, including this volley against Napoli.

//www.youtube.com/embed/nwqXDovXS2A

Or these two incredible efforts against Udinese.

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Having begun his career as a defensive midfielder, the 21 year old has added creativity and goals to his game. Although speculation about a return to Old Trafford refuses to go away, it will likely be difficult to convince the Frenchman to return at this stage.

JORDY CLASIE

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Although Clasie has watched the Netherlands’ impressive start from the bench, Van Gaal is known to be a fan of the Feyenoord starlet. Diminutive in stature, the 22 year old has overcome numerous doubts over his size to be recognised as one of Holland’s most exciting talents.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Dutchman, take a look at the video below.

//www.youtube.com/embed/jAEUvd-VRWg

Dubbed the “Dutch Xavi”, Clasie is an all-round midfielder that is strong on the tackle and clever in his distribution. The youngster may not be the biggest name but the 22 year old could be the ideal candidate for Van Gaal to build his midfield around.

FREDY GUARIN

With Van Gaal reportedly pulling the plug on a move for Kroos, Guarin has emerged as a target for the Red Devils in the last week. Jose Mourinho was reportedly keen on the Colombian attacking midfielder, but the transfer of Cesc Fabregas has likely put an end to Chelsea’s interest.

As proven by this effort against Parma, Guarin has goals in his locker.

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Reports suggest that Van Gaal is a fan of the 27 year old, due to his surging runs and the direct nature of his passing. If the Dutchman decides to firm up this interest, a fee in the region of £18 million would be required to secure Guarin’s services.

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The summer transfer window has finally drawn to Âclose and now it’s time to reflect. Which Premier League side did the best business? Who did the worst? And what glaring transfer opportunities were surprisingly missed out on?Well, this article takes a look at Arsenal. The Gunners splashed out an impressive £75million this summer, the fourth most of any English side and representing the most lucrative transfer window in the club’s history.But as per usual, it’s been another uncompleted job from Arsene Wenger, with several gaps in the Emirates Stadium squad still dangerously exposed.With that in mind, here’s a list of the FIVE signings the north Londoners should have made this summer.

[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON WINSTON REID TO REVEAL THE FIVE

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LOIC REMY

How Arsene Wenger let Loic Remy slip through his fingers will forever remain a mystery to Arsenal fans.

The France international has proved himself to be one of the Premier League’s most clinical strikers after arriving in England in January 2013, netting 20 times in his 41 top flight appearances.

That includes this wonder-strike for former club QPR back in the 2012/13 campaign:

//www.youtube.com/embed/JC7oWD8N_vI?autoplay=1&loop=1&playlist= JC7oWD8N_vI

This effort for France against Spain last week wasn’t too bad either:

Sensationally quick, a lethal finisher and capable of playing out wide, the 27 year-old would have more than resolved the Gunners’ need for a high-quality back-up striker, following Olivier Giroud’s injury lay-off until 2015.

Furthermore, the ex-Marseille and Newcastle forward was available for just £8.5million this summer – the fee Chelsea eventually paid for his services on August 31st.

Apparently the north Londoners tried to muscle in on the deal:

But it proved too little too late, leaving Arsenal to resort to signing £16million forward Danny Welbeck from Manchester United instead.

CESC FABREGAS

The £35million signing of Alexis Sanchez justifies it somewhat, but Arsene Wenger’s decision to not activate his first refusal clause on former captain Cesc Fabregas this summer remains baffling to the majority of the Emirates faithful.

Having struggled to hit the heights expected during three years at the Nou Camp, the Spain international’s transfer saga was one of the summer’s earliest, with him eventually joining London rivals Chelsea on June 12th.

The 27 year-old, who claimed 35 goals and 77 assists in 212 appearances in his first Premier League stint, then revealed that talks with his former club ended after Wenger said “that he would find it difficult to make a place for [Fabregas] on the pitch as Ozil had [his] position covered.”

Although competition for places could have well proved disruptive in the long run, the Gunners gaffer’s mistake is that he’s now enormously strengthened a direct divisional rival.

Fabregas has gone on to claim four assists in just three Premier League appearances for the Blues, leaving him at the top of the division’s set-up charts:

That includes this sensational assist against Burnley:

He’s completely changed the dynamic of Chelsea’s midfield into something more progressive, all for an incredibly reasonable £30million.

And even after splashing out £75million on new signings this summer, making it the most lucrative transfer window in Arsenal’s history, the north London side still aren’t in a position to be turning down world-class players at £30million a time – regardless of their position.

MORGAN SCHNEIDERLIN

If there’s one glaring hole in the Arsenal squad that failed to be addressed this summer, it’s undoubtedly the absence of a high-quality holding midfielder.

Several names were linked to the Emirates outfit in that regard during the transfer window, including William Carvalho, Sami Khedira, Lars Bender, Idrissa Gueye and Nigel de Jong to name a few.

But the pick of the bunch, in my opinion at least, was Southampton star Morgan Schneiderlin. Before the current season he had made more tackles, 259, and more interceptions, 207, than any Premier League player since the Saints’ top flight ascension in summer 2012, earning him a call-up to France’s World Cup squad.

The 24 year-old’s mixture of industriousness and tidiness on the ball, as shown in the statistics below, would have complimented Arsenal’s possession-based philosophy perfectly:

But the Frenchman proved too rich for Wenger’s blood after being stamped with a £27million price-tag by the south coast outfit, who were attempting to curtail their enormous exodus of first team talents to other Premier League clubs.

But Schneiderlin knows he’s top four material and is determined to prove it through his performances, having netted twice already for Southampton this season, equating his entire output from last term, whilst also averaging five tackles per match.

Both goals came during a man of the match display against West Ham:

//www.youtube.com/embed/yGxgHXqHWuo?rel=0

The France midfielder may have commanded an audacious fee, but his presence in the Arsenal first team would have undoubtedly enhanced their title credentials this season.

ALEX SONG

A significantly cheaper alternative to Morgan Schneiderlin that Arsenal also quietly passed on is ex-Gunner Alex Song.

You have to wonder if attitudes off the pitch influenced Arsene Wenger’s apparent apathy towards the Cameroon international, but once again, Song represents the north London outfit’s biggest failing this summer in adding a more physical, defensively assured element to their midfield.

The 26 year-old was a huge hit during his stay in north London, amassing 217 appearances for the Gunners and claiming an incredible 14 assists in his ultimate Emirates campaign. Here’s a look at the highlights from Song’s Arsenal spell:

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That was followed by a rather anonymous stay at Barcelona after leaving the Emirates in 2012, with the Catalan club eventually deciding to scrap the 6 ft. 2″ midfielder this summer.

Barca’s plans to dumpÂSong after just 39 La Liga appearances were no secret, even reportedly offering him back to his former club on a free loan.

But Arsenal remained uninterested and the Cameroonian eventually joined West Ham for the season. He’s already had quite an effect, conjuring up this sensational goal in a friendly against Ipswich:

WINSTON REID

Arsenal were strongly linked with Winston Reid ahead of the January 2014 transfer window, and with the centre-back’s contract winding down at West Ham, the summer was the perfect opportunity to convince the East London side to sell.

The 26 year-old may be no world-beater but he’s been incredibly consistent since the East Londoners returned to the Premier League in summer 2012, claiming the Hammer of the Year award the twelve months later. He was in strong form last term too despite suffering a long-term injury – here’s a look at his stats from the campaign:

With former club captain Thomas Vermaelen leaving for Barcelona this summer, the New Zealand international would have been an effective replacement. He’s reliable, hard-working and would have fitted the natural hierarchy of Arsenal’s squad well. Here’s a look at Reid in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/vhYZjrgfBsA?rel=0

Despite their interest being well known and the defender stalling on extending his contract at Upton Park past the end of the current season, Arsenal’s mooted £8million bid never materialised:

And although they signed Calum Chambers from Southampton, the Gunners are still light on bodies at the back, which could cost them dearly over the course of the season.

Every Premier League season has it’s dark horses – sides which go on to hugely exceed expectations. Last year it was Liverpool and Southampton, the year before that it was Swansea City, and in 2011/12 it was Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

This year, could the Premier League’s dark horses, especially in regards to the title race, come in the form of Manchester United? That may seem like a counter-intuitive prediction; after all, we are talking about an English superpower that’s won 13 out of a possible 22 titles (and two Champions Leagues) since the Premier League’s incarnation.

But still ruptured to the core by the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson and the subsequent nightmares of David Moyes’ ten-month tenure, following a 5-3 defeat to Leicester City a few weeks ago, the Red Devils looked unlikely to stage a genuine Champions League bid this season, let alone attempt to reassert their dominance on the English crown.

Yet, victories over West Ham and Everton – inspired by Manchester United’s monumental attacking force that’s seen their 13 Premier League goals only surpassed by Chelsea and Manchester City – have dramatically altered the table’s landscape.

Now in fourth place as Arsenal, Liverpool and the Toffees struggle for consistent form, are United the outside candidates other teams should be fearing? Or, boasting style over substance to degrees unprecedented at the Carrington club, are they simply this season’s entertainers?

The back-to-back wins will breed huge confidence around Old Trafford, not only because they’re Manchester United’s first consecutive victories in competitive fixtures under Louis van Gaal, but due to the quality of the opposition.

Liverpool found themselves unstuck against West Ham in late September, succumbing to a 3-1 defeat at Upton Park. Judging by the series of shrewd signings Sam Allardyce made this summer, including Alex Song, Enner Valencia, Ryan Cresswell, Diafra Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyate to name a few, in combination with their positive start to the season and the continued cliché that Big Sam’s sides, home or away, are always tough to beat, the Hammers look set for a top half finish.

Likewise, Everton have endured a harrowing start to the campaign – in fact, they currently find themselves just two points above the relegation zone with the worst goals conceded column (16) in the Premier League. But the Toffees are a strong outfit and based on their league standing over the last ten years, remain the essential litmus test for clubs looking to qualify for the Champions League.

In short, if Manchester United are to be competitive in this term’s title race, these are the calibre of teams they need to be claiming three points off. Perhaps most pleasingly of all, the turnaround of results coincides with van Gaal’s prior prediction that it would take around three months for his methods and philosophy to start bearing fruits.

Yet, the intrinsic flaws in Manchester United’s squad are hard to ignore and will surely catch up with them at points throughout the season. The fact Johnny Evans, at the ripe old age of 26, is now the most experienced defender in the entire roster tells its own story about the lack of continuity and experience in United’s backline. Van Gaal has already handed Premier League debuts to no less than three academy centre-halves this season – Patrick McNair, Tyler Blackett and Michael Keane – whilst even summer signing Marcos Rojo is only 24 and has featured as frequently at left-back as he has centrally over the last few years with Sporting Lisbon and Argentina.

Likewise, although Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao remain a formidable partnership on paper, one that will unquestionably produce a healthy supply of goals, it lacks the mobility and power we’ve  become accustomed to in the Premier League. In fact, in comparison to prior United sides, the absence of penetrating pace throughout the team – perhaps excepting Angel Di Maria, Antonio Valencia and Wayne Rooney – has become disturbingly noticeable in the last year.

Of course, the mantra remains a Kevin-Keegan-esque ‘we’ll score more goals than you’. Van Gaal’s Netherlands side bagged an incredible 34 goals during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, the most of any European side, despite Group D containing decent enough opposition in Romania, Hungary and Turkey. The Dutchman’s ‘Gaalactio’ top-heavy recruitment during the summer, in combination with his attacking philosophy, are an extension of that ideal.

Even with capitulating backlines and limited pace in comparison to other Premier League sides, United have genuine goal-threats and match-winners in most departments – players who only need a half-chance, a slender, angled view of one of the posts, to hit the back of the net. The impeccable standard of some of the goals scored, such as Angel Di Maria’s deft lob, suggests this isn’t simply the honeymoon form of United’s signings and will remain a relentless trend throughout the campaign. Likewise, Juan Mata, Angel Di Maria, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney can all punish teams from dead ball situations.

That makes United incredibly dangerous in the sense that they’re an unknown quantity. The unpredictability of results thus far under van Gaal – the shock defeats to Mk Dons and Leicester City, a 4-0 thrashing in the Capital One Cup and a 5-3 comeback in the league respectively – and the immeasurable power of United’s history further adds to the feeling of ambiguity, as if opponents aren’t quite sure what or who they’re preparing for. The old, rugged, determined United? The new breed of world-class attackers? Or a shambolic XI of youngsters and foreigners, still searching for balance, leadership and familiarity? Are they the returning monarchy-elect, or just the court jesters?

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The next few months will give us indication. United face Manchester City and Chelsea, followed by Arsenal three weeks later, all before the end of November. Wins aren’t necessarily vital in regards to Champions League qualification – it’s likely that these clubs will constitute the Premier League’s top three come May-time – but if the Red Devils are to push a step further than expected and make themselves a genuine factor in the title race, they must produce positive results and competitive performances against their divisional rivals.

The element of surprise remains Manchester United’s biggest strength; they’re yet to face a major opponent under van Gaal and opposing managers can only hazard educated guesses in regards to how he’ll set the Red Devils up. But that alone will not be enough, considering the quality at Chelsea, City and Arsenal’s disposal. More than anything else, these coming fixtures will determine the level of substance behind United’s emphatic, eye-catching style and whether the van Gaal philosophy is something to be genuinely feared.

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Probable Lineups…

Sunderland (4-1-4-1): Mannone, Vergini, O’Shea, Brown, Aanholt, Cattermole, Johnson, Larsson, Rodwell, Wickham, Fletcher

Gus Poyet will have to deal with four injuries in his selection as he will surely try to avoid another embarrassing defeat like the 8-0 one suffered against Southampton last week. Ricardo Alvarez, Emanuele Giaccherini, Sebastian Coates, and Billy Jones are all set to miss the match against Arsenal through injury. There should be quite a few changes in the side from the previous round of fixtures with Andy Johnson and Jack Rodwell tipped to start on Saturday. Poyet may select Costel Pantilimon between the sticks after seeing Vito Mannone lose eight goals.

Arsenal (4-1-4-1): Szczesny, Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs, Flamini, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Ramsey, Sanchez, Welbeck

Arsenal are still suffering from a host of injury setbacks but will be boosted by the return of Calum Chambers who completes his Premier League suspension. However, Jack Wilshere will be suspended for their upcoming fixture as Arsene Wenger will still be without the services of David Ospina, Laurent Koscielny, Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy, and Yaya Sanogo. Some good news for the Gunners will be that both Theo Walcott and Serge Gnarby could feature from the bench with the pair still working on their fitness upon their return to the first team.

What the fans are saying…

Remember this?

//www.youtube.com/embed/f8yYgNY3UL0

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When the pair met last year Arsenal defeated Sunderland away from home 3-1, thanks to a brace from Aaron Ramsey. However, with a host of injury concerns, can the Black Cats exact revenge on the Gunners?

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Liverpool may have recorded a first win in six games, but that should not detract from the problems at Anfield. The Reds are a pale imitation of the side that enthralled and entertained last season, with bad signings, the sale of Suarez and questionable management having all contributed. So should Brendan Rodgers go? Maybe, and here are three reasons why…

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CLICK ON RODGERS TO REVEAL THE THREE

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Such poor form

With just one win in six games and four defeats, things really are looking bleak at Anfield. The Reds were a swashbuckling attacking force last term, yet things could not be much different this time around, with Brendan Rodgers’ side ponderous and toothless. The Northern Irishman is not entirely to blame, but maybe something new is needed to shake things up. After all, the Merseysiders do have some decent players.

Terrible summer

Liverpool’s bench today really highlighted the failings of the summer’s transfer window. Rodgers had £87m worth of arrivals on the sidelines, with the likes of Lovren and Lallana’s struggles forcing him to look to the likes of Kolo Toure and Lucas.

Struggling against sides like Stoke…

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A win may be vital, and three points are the maximum available over 90 minutes. But Liverpool should really be hammering sides of, no disrespect intended, Stoke’s level. Last season the Merseysiders were steamrolling opponents they were expected to beat, but this time around it takes a late Glen Johnson effort.

Harry Redknapp abruptly resigned as QPR manager after two and a quarter years at Loftus Road earlier this week. Redknapp cited the reason being an imminent knee surgery that has made him decide now is the right time to step aside but in truth, there could be a number of reasons why he has left QPR.

Redknapp didn’t enjoy the best of spells at Rangers after taking over from Mark Hughes in November 2012. He couldn’t help the club avoid relegation in his first season in charge, with the R’s finishing rock bottom of the Premier League. With a squad that, on paper, should have walked the Championship, Redknapp had difficulties in making his side a consistent outfit with QPR eventually finishing fourth.

An unconvincing campaign ended with a narrow 1-0 victory over Derby in the play-off final, thanks to a Bobby Zamora goal in the last minute. And in his third season in charge, things didn’t improve leaving the club in 19th position and needing something special to avoid a second relegation in three seasons.

On the face of it, Harry Redknapp has left QPR at the right time in terms of the lack of success he has achieved at Loftus Road. QPR had high expectations that Redknapp would be the man to lead the club to becoming an established Premier League team but that couldn’t be further from what has actually transpired. Redknapp had troubles in establishing a settled starting XI throughout his reign and although he had money to spend, too many players were on high wages that weren’t contributing to the side.

In the league, three defeats on the bounce and six without a win was enough to send Redknapp over the edge. Their away form has been much documented this season for the sheer embarrassment of the run they are on. Rangers have lost all eleven away matches in the Premier League this season and have looked hapless on their travels.

Just a couple of weeks ago Redknapp suggested an ‘insider’ was trying to destabilise the club by suggesting his job was on the line. He said “It’s this ‘insider’ who is trying to cause a problem. Who do you believe – the chairman or ‘the insider’?” This was a clear sign of the pressure getting to Redknapp and spelled the beginning of the end for the now former QPR boss.

Although Redknapp has had plenty of financial backing from Tony Fernandes, he was obviously frustrated at the lack of movement in the January transfer window. The club were crying out for two or three new players, not least another striker to partner Charlie Austin. But Fernandes wasn’t willing to let Redknapp spend any more money, which could potentially cost QPR their Premier League status. Mauro Zarate was their only addition, in a loan move from West Ham. However, much Redknapp wants to cover up the real reasons to why he left; leaving just a day after the transfer window shut after spending no money should be seen as no coincidence at all.

At 67-years-old, after a long and successful career in management, Redknapp in all likelihood saw no need to carry on the job at QPR. With the club struggling and seemingly no signs of improvement, Redknapp was right to step aside for a younger man to come in for the long haul.

Whether or not the need for knee surgery was the real reason behind his resignation, the time had come for Redknapp’s two and a quarter year spell at QPR to come to an end.

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Liverpool and Arsenal’s pursuit of Villarreal striker Luciano Vietto has been dealt a major blow ahead of potential moves for him this summer, according to Mirror Football.

The 21-year-old has been a target for the Premier League duo in recent weeks, after netting 18 goals in his first 36 outings for the La Liga outfit this season.

But, amidst reported interest from both Real Madrid and Barcelona, Vietto has admitted it would be a dream come true to play alongside Barca legend Lionel Messi.

He said: “Everyone dreams of playing alongside Messi.

“Of course it would be a dream come true. I had the chance to meet him and also to get to know him off the pitch.

“He is a great person and made the great gesture of presenting me with his jersey. It is a memory I will retain for the rest of my life.”

WANT MORE? >> Liverpool transfer news | Arsenal transfer news

But Vietto remains tight-lipped on any speculation linking him with a move away from Villarreal this summer and insists all his attention remains solely with the Estadio El Madrigal outfit.

“Being honest, I am very relaxed about this,” he added.

“I just try and think solely of Villarreal, in the week’s training and performing game to game.

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“I use all these rumours as motivation, to keep strengthening myself and improving. I have no doubts that if I keep doing well, all will arrive in its own time.”

Such an admission might prove to be a stumbling block for Brendan Rodgers and Arsene Wenger, who are both believed to be in the market for a striker ahead of next season.

But Mirror Football appear to believe Liverpool remain one of the front runners to secure his signature.

Tonight’s Bank Holiday action in the Premier League sees Arsenal take on Hull City at the KC Stadium.

And it’s been a fantastic watch so far – unless you’re a Hull City fan. The Gunners are 3-0 up and have produced an absolute attacking masterclass, with two goals from Alexis Sanchez and another from Aaron Ramsey.

Admittedly, fortune has favoured the visitors in front of goal. Sanchez’ first strike – a curling free kick – took a telling knick off the Tigers’ wall to spin past a helpless Steve Harper.

Likewise, Arsenal’s second saw Aaron Ramsey latch onto an incredible Santi Cazorla pass inside the box, launched from inside the Gunners own half, only for the Welshman’s effort to deflect off the feet of a blocking James Chester and arrow into the top corner of the net.

Arsenal’s third, however, another Sanchez effort, was an absolute peach. Ramsey cut open the Hull defence with a weighted pass, allowing the Chile international to take one touch around Harper and pass the ball into an open goal.

Needless to say, Arsenal fans on Twitter are absolutely delighted:

Chelsea fans, on the other hand, were a little more cynical:

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Everton’s poor season is coming to an end, and they’re really in the best form of the year just now. It’s a case of too little, too late, but at least they’re showing signs of finding the light at the end of the tunnel.

It could be that their Europa League foray was their downfall. They had more games than they did last season, and these extra games have been against tougher teams. Everton found themselves in a tough group, alongside Lille, who came down from the Champions League qualifiers and Wolfsburg, who are one of the most dangerous teams in Germany. It certainly wasn’t easy for them, and maybe these games are to blame.

Everton won just two of their Premier League games on the weekends after the group games in the Europa League and both these wins came against sides who are currently in the bottom three, Queens Park Rangers and Burnley.

It might also be a case of Europa League syndrome – teams who didn’t play in Europe the previous season who now find themselves with more games and long flights often do poorly. The Thursday-Sunday turnover seems to do strange things to teams, and perhaps this is what happened to the Toffees.

But I’m not sure that this explains just how badly they’ve been performing this season. Their defeats in the league haven’t come only after European games. They didn’t win in six games in and around the Christmas period, from late December to early January, including four Premier League defeats in a row. And not a Europa League game in sight. So the Europa League might be one reason, but surely their problem has deeper roots than that.

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If you look for other themes in Everton’s season, you’ll probably find that mistakes have been a common one. Especially poor defending, and it’s led quite simply to poor results. Why this has happened this season and didn’t happen last season is a tough one to answer, and the Europa League may partly be to blame, but something else must explain the rest.

One thing could be injuries. Roberto Martinez has had some trouble fielding a first choice back four for a lot of the campaign. John Stones is probably the first choice to start alongside Phil Jagielka and although Jagielka has made the most starts for Everton this season, Stones has only made half his appearances. The other half he’s been paired with Alcaraz or Distin.

Sylvain Distin, at 37, is now too old to be a first choice central defender in the Premier League and seems to be fading enough to make Martinez question whether or not Distin should even be cover. Antolin Alcaraz, for his part, has simply looked out of his depth at the back for Everton. The away leg of the Europa League tie against Kiev illustrates that, where he looked like making a mistake every time he touched the ball, even looking wobbly every time a Kiev player even got to within a few feet from him.

Admittedly injuries are hard to cope with, but Martinez needs backup in these key areas. Injuries and suspensions are part and parcel of modern football – the game is so fast and they play so many matches. And if Everton want to be a top club playing European football year in year out, then they need to be able to deal with that. Not just fade away for a season while they struggle to cope with the demands of fixture juggling.

And top Premier League clubs have enough resources to have strength in depth. That’s no excuse – they spent £28m on Romelu Lukaku, so they certainly have the resources to do better with their squad depth.

To be fair, though, with Stones, Jagielka, Baines and Coleman fit and playing in front of a fit Tim Howard, Everton have started to play well and go on a little bit of a run. They’re only six points behind Swansea, who are in the sort of ‘best of the rest’ position behind the European chasing teams above. If Everton can track them down and finish eighth it would start to look a little more respectable.

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It’s too late to threaten the European positions, and also too late to turn a bad season into a good one, or even an okay one. It’s still a bad season. But good form and a higher league position to finish the season could be a catalyst for a good start to next season. If they can manage that, plus add some more depth to the squad, especially at the back, then Everton might be able to come good again next time around.

It shouldn’t be all doom and gloom. It hasn’t been a great season, but it’s about building for next season now. A good finish is the first step to that, and they’re heading in the right direction now.

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Although the top four once again evaded Spurs last term, there is a genuine feeling of positivity at ‘The Lane’ right now, with Harry Kane a 30+ goal-per-season striker and some late results in 2014/15 having brought a fifth-placed finish. There is every chance then that the Lilywhites could kick on in 2015/16.But to do so they’ll need to be on the ball from the off, with a tough trip to Manchester United awaiting on the opening day. Last time out Tottenham were roundly played off the park as the Red Devils came out 3-0 winners, so a slice of sweet revenge is likely to be on the agenda.

Although it doesn’t quite classify as one fixture, November will be a huge month for Spurs, with three London derbies on the cards. First up a trip to bitter rivals Arsenal, followed by home ties with Chelsea and West Ham. This trio of matches could have a huge impact on the season as a whole, with a good points return potentially enough to breed enough positivity to get the club firing through Christmas.

The return leg of the North London derby doesn’t roll around until March 5, but by that point there could be more than just local pride riding on the 90 minutes at White Hart Lane.

Liverpool away, after Aston Villa and Bournemouth meetings, also looks like it could be a key one in the top four crunch, with the Reds likely to be major rivals in the battle for that last top-level European spot.

And although the penultimate game is some way off and it’s difficult to make a prediction at this point, the home match with Southampton may be one that has a big say on the top four battle, too.

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