Everton fans in the Transfer Tavern have a lot to be optimistic about going into the new season following their impressive spending spree in the market up to this point. 

Manager Ronald Koeman has been superbly financially backed and that has allowed the Dutchman to spread plenty of money on player recruitment to really push for a Champions League spot come May next year.

Our Toffees-mad bar man is still hopeful that certain areas of the pitch will be further improved, including the striker spot which is a particularly large space to fill after the departure of main asset Romelu Lukaku.

Despite the demand to continue building this ambitious Everton squad, supporters are now looking ahead to the 2017/18 Premier League campaign, which they get under way by hosting Stoke City on the opening weekend.

There will be a number of noteworthy events to pay attention towards as the Blue side of Merseyside desperately attempt to overcome their regional rivals in every competition possible – here’s two things to expect in the opening day outing…..

Jordan Pickford’s Premier League debut for Everton

Jordan Pickford’s move to Goodison Park begun this magnificent turn of events at the club, and supporters will be hoping the 23-year-old can perform up to standard in the forthcoming season.

Formerly of Sunderland, Pickford is highly regarded in the Football Transfer Tavern and is set to make his Premier League Everton debut when the Toffees host Stoke City on the opening fixture of the top-flight term.

Of course, that sort of money should demand a place in the starting eleven but it will be interesting to note how the goalkeeper performs at his new club, who are trusting him to be a long-term figure in the ranks.

Wayne Rooney to make his top-flight return in an Everton shirt

Wayne Rooney began his long-anticipated return to Everton with a cracking finish in a pre-season outing in Africa, and it hasn’t taking long for the all-time England top goal scorer to win over those initial criticisers.

The 31 year-old’s move from Manchester United back to his boyhood club is the talk of the tavern and it will be of no surprise if he plays a significant part in Ronald Koeman’s attempts to take this historic team forward.

He’ll want to get his Premier League season off to a flyer by making a first domestic appearance since putting pen-to-paper this summer against visitors Stoke City next month.

Everton supporters, can you wait any longer for the new campaign? Will you be expecting these two things? What else can you look forward to in the encounter against Stoke? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below!