Everton's slow start to the campaign is nothing but a distant memory for Evertonians this season with David Moyes' side currently going great guns in the Premier League and sure to achieve a top 10 finish.
A successful second half to the campaign should see the Merseysiders secure Uefa Cup football next season, although James Pearson doubts whether The Toffees will spend enough money in the New Year to challenge for a lucrative UEFA Champions League spot.
How the new boys have done
Moyes' summer signings have proved a mixed bag. Denmark international Lars Jacobsen, who was the club's first acquisition following the close of the 2007/08 campaign, is yet to feature this season after dislocating his shoulder in a World Cup qualifier against Portugal in September.
Likewise free transfer arrival Carlo Nash has not made a single appearance for Everton as Tim Howard has been the club's ever-present goalkeeper this season.
Injury, as usual, has prevented former Manchester United ace Louis Saha from playing regularly, although he scored winners against Fulham and West Ham at the start of November. Moyes will be hoping the French hit-man can somehow stay injury-free between now and next summer.
Loan capture Segundo Castillo has made just three Premier League starts for Everton meaning fans have yet to see enough of the Ecuador midfielder to formulate an accurate opinion of his ability. Castillo did find the back of the net in style in their Uefa Cup clash against Standard Liege, but has failed to impress in league action.
Belgium international midfielder Marouane Fellaini has proved a popular capture amongst Evertonians with a number of crucial goals - None more so than Everton's leveller in their 1-1 home draw with champions Manchester United. At just 21 Fellaini's best years are undoubtedly ahead of him and he has already gone a long way to justifying his club record £15million fee.
What they need
Moyes has an abundance of strikers on Everton's books, although injury has hampered his ability to field his strongest XI regularly. Star striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu is out for the remainder of the season after rupturing his Achilles in his side's 1-0 win at Spurs. With Saha and James Vaughan still some way short of full fitness, Moyes could be tempted to add another striker to his squad, possibly on a loan basis.
With the purse strings tight at Goodison Park loan acquisitions could be the only method Everton have available to add new faces to their small squad. Historically Moyes has spent around £4million during the January transfer window, not the kind of money that demonstrates intent on lifting silverware.
Everton have leaked more goals at the back than they would have liked, although I cannot see Moyes necessarily making a new defender a priority in the New Year, despite Jacobsen's continued absence. Tony Hibbert (thigh) should be available for first-team duty any week now, while left-back Leighton Baines cannot even secure regular football.
What they will get
Everton have been strongly linked with a move for out-of-contract striker Henrik Larsson, although the Swedish hit-man has hinted he would like to remain in his homeland. Likewise, Bayern Munich's want-away striker Lukas Podolski has been touted as a possible Toffees target, although, like Larsson, is unlikely to join the club come the New Year.
St Etienne forward Bafetimbi Gomis is another name linked with a move to the Premier League. The 23-year-old is more likely to end up at Goodison next month ahead of the two aforementioned strikers should Moyes wish to land the France international striker.
Fan's view - Lee Murray
I hear Adriano is returning to Flamengo...If we could somehow get our hands on him it would be amazing and if Inter are prepared to let him go why not. I would also like to see a new right-back at the club. Maybe Gary Neville on a free as he is not getting games for United and he could team up once again with his brother. A quality winger is also required I would possibly like to see Aiden McGeady of Celtic swithching to Everton to see if he can cut it in the Premier League, I reckon we could get him on the cheap as his relationship with Strachan seems strained.
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