Our Everton fans here in the Transfer Tavern are confident of Europa League football next season but do think Champions League qualification could have been possible.

For sure, seventh place in the Premier League looks all but nailed on the way they are playing but with them just a few points off of Manchester United and the top four race, things could be even better.

Indeed, they may still reel the top clubs in between now and May but had they not gone on an awful run of form before Christmas we’d be taking about them as part of that battle right now.

Mistakes here and there have cost the club, then, with Ronald Koeman, to his credit, acting swiftly when change has been needed.

Looking at it, then, there are some weak-links in the squad that need to be addressed, and our landlord reckons this pair stand out most of all…

Maarten Stekelenburg

The ‘keeper was signed as the solution to Everton’s problems between the sticks but, if anything, he’s made things even more complicated.

He should be ahead of Joel Robles really but isn’t because of his poor displays whilst Robles is playing well. How long that lasts remains to be seen but our landlord reckons whoever is in goal next season, it certainly won’t be this guy.

Phil Jagielka

Jagielka just looks past it now and when he has played there’s been nothing really to suggest otherwise.

A top defender at his best, those days seem to be gone now and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him move on this summer. He’s been replaced by Ramiro Funes Mori of late and our landlord wouldn’t be shocked to see a new defender come in during the next window.

Thoughts, Everton fans? Let us know below!