Everton and Stoke City fans down in the Football Transfer Tavern are in very different mood ahead of their opening day meeting.

The Toffee supporters already feel their side have guaranteed at least another top eight finish with their summer signings.

Seven players have been welcomed through the gates at Goodison Park with the Merseysiders splashing the cash early this summer. Whispers of Koeman’s side breaking into the top six have emerged and the potential addition of Gylfi Sigurdsson could help them achieve it.

As for Stoke, Mark Hughes is already facing the pressure to deliver after a disappointing 2016/17 season. The Potters have added, but the reinforcements have lacked excitement, which was perhaps needed after Marko Arnautovic left for West Ham.

Stoke most recently signed 6ft 3in forward Jean-Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting from Schalke. The Cameroon international is the club’s fourth signing of the summer following the capture of Darren Fletcher, Kurt Zouma and Josh Tymon.

With both clubs eager for a positive start, we think these TWO factors will decide the match on Saturday…

HOME ADVANTAGE

Unlike their poor away form, Everton’s home record last season was only bettered by Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal. Ronald Koeman’s side were a force to be reckoned with, netting 42 in their 19 games.

Goodison Park will be rocking ready to welcome their new summer signings and push on for a top six finish this time around.

KURT ZOUMA

The Chelsea man is a fantastic signing for Stoke, albeit on loan. Zouma has all the attributes to be a star of the Premier League this season and will be a tough nut to crack for the Everton forwards.

Sandro Ramirez will be up against him and hoping to score on his home debut in the Premier League but Zouma will be just as determined to impress.

The Frenchman will also pose a threat from set-pieces so Everton need to watch him closely.