There's now an air of optimism brewing in Merseyside after Everton bolstered their squad with no fewer than three new signings and now they're back in action as the Premier League returns this afternoon.

The Toffees face a trip south to north London to face Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

But what sort of lineup will Carlo Ancelotti select as he faces another former Real Madrid boss in the form of Jose Mourinho?

Here's what we are predicting...

There are no doubts over Jordan Pickford going into the new campaign as the first-choice shot-stopper. He's got no viable backup or real competition.

His back four will most likely include Lucas Digne and Seamus Coleman on either flank with Michael Keane partnering Yerry Mina through the middle. The young Mason Holgate is expected to be out through injury for several weeks.

Ancelotti could hand a debut to his Napoli lynchpin Allan as he looks to fortify their weak midfield from last season. However, Andre Gomes remains in the starting XI over fellow summer arrival Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Out wide, Richarlison drops back to take up a spot on the left with the £22.95m-rated Alex Iwobi occupying the other side whilst there's another debut through the middle as James Rodriguez is given a start in the number ten role.

It means there's no place on offer for Tom Davies or Gylfi Sigurdsson - much to the delight of many back in Merseyside, you'd imagine.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin will surely lead the line as a result with his Italian boss opting for a 4-3-3 rather than a 4-4-2.