Too good to go down? We hear the same expression almost every season in the Premier League, with one ‘fallen giant’ nearly always seen slipping towards the brown stuff at this time of year.

Everton are the unfortunate team this season, which is a remarkable fall from grace given that 12 months ago Champions League qualification was a genuine and realistic aim at Goodison Park.

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Roberto Martinez’s men have stuttered this term, though. Perhaps the weight of expectation is too much now? The responsibilities of European football too demanding? Or maybe they just got lucky last season? Whatever the case, the drop to the Championship is just six points below the Merseysiders at time of writing, making second tier football an all too realistic prospect. However, ‘Bobby M’ has changes he could make, and here are FIVE…

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Get Barkley firing again

Everton were a bright, vibrant and exciting attacking force last season, and a major part of the feel-good factor was Ross Barkley. The youngster truly broke through under Martinez after years of hype and talk, with his youthful exuberance in the middle of the park and willingness to get forward and beat his man infectious. As with many emerging talents, the England international’s form has tailed off a little this term, though, with a lack of confidence in the team almost dragging him down and the criticism of his mistakes forcing Barkley into his shell.

A little patience and a free role as a ‘No. 10’ could be the remedy, with the 21-year-old a player with enough quality to turn games.

More flexibility from Martinez

A football purist, Martinez has always been reluctant to divert away from his neat passing, attacking style. At Wigan he eventually surpassed his nine lives, and dropped, but all looked fine last season as the system truly clicked for the Toffees. But now with confidence low, playing in such a manner is tricky, with players overthinking passes and taking too long on the ball.

With an outlet such as Romelu Lukaku, Everton have the ability to go more direct, which would relieve the pressure on the midfield and creaking backline and perhaps inject some belief into the team. There’s no shame in adapting to circumstance.

Turn Barry’s suspension into a positive

Garth Barry’s two-game ban for picking up yet another yellow card last night may actually be a positive. The former England international is a walking caution-magnate, and even though his experience and know-how are useful, his lack of mobility and drive in a flat midfield three are drawbacks.

With his hand forced, Martinez may opt to go a bit more attacking, perhaps pushing Barkley into an advanced role with James McCarthy and Muhamed Besic sitting behind.

Use European action as a springboard

While the Europa League is often harangued for its tiring effects and fixture congestion, the competition has been a welcome break for Everton this term. Arguably the Premier League team with the greatest chance of continental success, a feel good factor from getting deeper into the tournament may be enough to breed confidence at Goodison Park, which is vital in the way Martinez likes to play.

With Young Boys convincingly dispatched, Dynamo Kiev await in the last-16, and, as Fulham proved a few years back, punching above your weight is a realistic aim in the competition.

Add some width

A flat three in the middle of midfield and Steven Naismith on one flank made Everton very narrow at Stoke. A complete disregard for the wing cut off the chance to whip balls into Romelu Lukaku, while the threat of overlapping full-backs - Baines and Coleman were so good last season – seems to have disappeared.

Aiden McGeady may return soon and Christian Atsu impressed for Ghana at the AFCON, so Martinez has options.