Everton 2016-17 Schedule Review via Royal Blue Mersey
A brief look at the year ahead
Everton were handed a challenging 2016-17 calendar by the Premier League schedule-makers, with some high-profile games bunched close together at critical junctures. The Blues are going to be aiming for at least a spot in Europe in Ronald Koeman’s first season in charge, and as such will have to do much better than they did last year against teams in the top half of the table.
- Sat 13th August – Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur
- Sat 20th August – West Bromwich Albion vs Everton
- 23-25th August – English Football League Cup Second Round
- Sat 27th August – Everton vs Stoke City
The season starts off with games at home against two teams that could feasibly be in European contention this season sandwiching a trip to the Baggies. The summer transfer window closes at the end of the month, giving Koeman a clearer picture as to where the team’s weaknesses lie, and who is required.
- Mon 12th September – Sunderland vs Everton
- Sat 17th September – Everton vs Middlesbrough
- 20-21st September – EFL Cup Third Round
- Sat 24th September – Bournemouth vs Everton
September is a month where Everton will look to reap maximum points from. They start off with a visit to former manager David Moyes at the Black Cats, followed by promoted side ‘Boro and Bournemouth.
- Sat 1st October – Everton vs Crystal Palace
- Sat 15th October – Manchester City vs Everton
- Sat 22nd October – Burnley vs Everton
- 25-26th October – EFL Cup Fourth Round
- Sat 29th October – Everton vs West Ham United
The Blues host bogey team Palace, and also visit Premier League favorites City and their mastermind Pep Guardiola in this month. They will look to close out the month with a win against the Hammers, an upstart team that has rivaled the Blues in recent seasons.
- Sat 5th November – Chelsea vs Everton
- Sat 19th November – Everton vs Swansea City
- Sat 26th November – Southampton vs Everton
- 29-30th November – EFL Cup Fifth Round
The Toffee travel to London to take on Antonio Conte’s Chelsea. Games against the Swans and Saints also represent a chance at picking up some points. Expect Koeman to receive a hostile reception on his return to St. Mary’s.
- Sat 3rd December – Everton vs Manchester United
- Sat 10th December – Watford vs Everton
- Wed 14th December – Everton vs Arsenal
- Sat 17th December – Everton vs Liverpool
- Mon 26th December – Leicester City vs Everton
- Sat 31st December – Hull City vs Everton
The holiday season will prove to be a tough one for the Blues, with United, Arsenal and defending champions Leicester on the docket, along with a festive derby hosting the Reds.
- Mon 2nd January – Everton vs Southampton
- 7-8th January – FA Cup Third Round
- 10-11th January – EFL Cup Semi Final First Leg
- Sat 14th January – Everton vs Manchester City
- Sat 21st January – Crystal Palace vs Everton
- 24-25th January – EFL Cup Semi Final Second Leg
- 28-29th January – FA Cup Fourth Round
2017 starts off with the return fixtures of all the games. Should the Blues still be involved in the EFL Cup, then they could be in for a very busy month while the winter transfer window remains open for reinforcements.
- Wed 1st February – Stoke City vs Everton
- Sat 4th February – Everton vs Bournemouth
- Sat 11th February – Middlesbrough vs Everton
- 18-19th February – FA Cup Fifth Round
- Sat 25th February – Everton vs Sunderland
- 26th February – EFL Cup Final
February is a quieter month on the Premier League front, and once again a chance to stack up some points before the storm hits in April.
- Sat 4th March – Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
- Sat 11th March – Everton vs West Bromwich Albion
- 11-12th March – FA Cup Quarter Final
- Sat 18th March – Everton vs Hull City
Similar to February, where the Blues will need to get points when the opportunity arises before April.
- Sat 1st April – Liverpool vs Everton
- Tue 4th April – Manchester United vs Everton
- Sat 8th April – Everton vs Leicester City
- Sat 15th April – Everton vs Burnley
- Sat 22nd April – West Ham United vs Everton
- 22-23rd April – FA Cup Semi Final
- Sat 29th April – Everton vs Chelsea
The highly-anticipated month of April, starting off with the return leg of the Merseyside Derby, with trips to United and the Hammers and home games against the Foxes and Chelsea. The single fixture against Burnley in the middle of the month will come as a relief.
- Sat 6th May – Swansea City vs Everton
- Sat 13th May – Everton vs Watford
- Sun 21st May – Arsenal vs Everton
- 27th May – FA Cup Final
If Everton were to steal away Ashley Williams, then the trip to Wales could be an awkward one. The season will end with an away game at Arsenal, with the Blues hopefully still in the conversation for a European spot.
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