Everton finished the season in a lonely seventh position. They ended it eight points off sixth-placed Manchester United in the Premier League table but a staggering 15 points ahead of Southampton in eighth.

The Toffees are in a position where they are simply the best of the rest in the Premier League, as the top six teams begin to pull away from the remainder of the pack in terms of quality, and the gap is only getting bigger.

The transfer window will be huge for the Merseyside club as they prepare for potential big-name departures and it will be vital that the money is reinvested wisely and quickly, ensuring they are not held back and the new signings can get a proper pre-season under their belts.

Following their official release, we take a look at the fixtures that could have a huge say in defining Everton’s season and how successful it could be...

Arsenal (A)

Arsenal v Everton - Sat 3rd Feb

Everton are not a very strong team away from home and they are far from a strong team when they go to the Emirates Stadium. A

rsenal beat them 3-1 on the final day of the season despite having ten men for 70 minutes. Everton have recorded just two wins against the Gunners in ten years, both of which were at home.

They will need to start getting wins against top six opponents if they are to close the gap between themselves and the top of the Premier League.

Liverpool

Liverpool v Everton - Sat 9th Dec

Everton v Liverpool - Sat 7th Apr

The Merseyside derby has often been a stumbling block for Everton as they have struggled to get one over their local rivals for over seven years.

Since taking over Ronald Koeman has done a fine job in securing a top ten finish but the progress of the club has stagnated overall.

If Everton are to move forward and become the pinnacle club in the city of Liverpool, then they have to start winning the head-to-head battles.

West Ham

Everton v West Ham - Wed 29th Nov

West Ham v Everton - Sun 13th May

The Hammers remain an easy target for the Toffees as they have only lost twice to them since 2007.

Maintaining their dominance over the east London side will be crucial in closing the gap on the big six, whilst keeping those who finished below them in the table this season at a safe distance.

West Ham will surely improve next term, so it's vital Everton stay on top of them.

Tottenham

Everton v Tottenham - Sat 9th Sep

Tottenham v Everton -  Sat 13th Jan

The north London outfit have been a thorn in the side of Everton with the Lilywhites unbeaten home and away since 2012.

In fact, Tottenham have beaten Everton more times than any other opponent in the Premier League (22).

Everton will have to begin making inroads on these unwanted records if they want to fight it out for a Champions League place next season and from the current top four, Spurs are arguably the most vulnerable.

Swansea

Everton v Swansea - Sat 16th Dec

Swansea v Everton - Sat 14th Apr

Another stumbling block for Everton is the Welsh side Swansea, who have not lost to Everton in seven games.

Everton not being able to win against a bottom-end team in the league table sums up why they have been so stagnant in recent campaigns.

If Everton are to move up a gear next season, it's vital they find a higher level of consistency against those fighting it out near the foot of the Premier League.