Everton 2012 Preview: 5 Questions Facing the Toffees in the New Year

With 2011 consigned to the history books, Everton step into a new year hoping for their accustomed late season surge after a solid, if unspectacular first half of the season. The previous calender year saw various highs and lows around the club and, undoubtedly, so too will 2012.

Prominent moments of the past year generally focus around wealth, a pressing factor for all clubs in this modern day, money-orientated climate. The continual financial gloom and an inability to show progress led to the Toffees sadly parting with recent crowd favourite Steven Pienaar and creative stalwart Mikel Arteta.

The general worry over the club's precarious financial predicament peaked in the summer, when a leaked transcript with Bill Kenwright became public reading. Animosity towards the board and the perceived stagnation of the club saw the Blue Union form, as certain sections of supporters grew desperate to see their club sold to new owners as promptly as possible.

On the field, there was a strong finish to the 2010/11 season, which included wins over Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea, as well as a memorable FA Cup win at Stamford Bridge. Sadly this season, Everton's form has so far stuttered.

Spectacular goals have also been logged in the annuals. 2011's best may have been Jermaine Beckford's inspirational solo strike against Chelsea, Leighton Baines' dramatic free-kick (also against the Londoners), or Diniyar Bilyaletdinov's howitzer against Wolves.

Other positives have been the contract extensions signed by Ross Barkley and Marouane Fellaini, as well as the impact of Royston Drenthe, and the short-term loan acquisition of Landon Donovan. 

So what is in store for the club in 2012?

Can Tim Cahill Still Cut It?

After one of his most rapacious calender years in 2010, when he registered an impressive 16 goals, 2011 saw Tim Cahill's product completely disappear. After starting the year injured, he has subsequently continued to falter in front of goal, unable to record a single strike.

Never before has the Australian suffered such a drought, but his recent deficiency has caused his selection and entire credentials to be questioned by many fans. Concerns over his fitness and whether his actual legs have gone will have been heard by Cahill and he will be desperate to score soon and divert this lingering negative attention.

With a game that relies on speed and skill so minutely, it is hard to imagine he is anything other than completely bereft of confidence. Cahill is vital linking up play, attracting markers to free up space for others and, of course, at set pieces at both ends. Traits that will not flounder as he ages.

If he is able to score soon and perform his trademark corner flag celebration, many other timely goals would surely come. An integral component in David Moyes' game strategy for so many years, it is up to Cahill to prove those doubters wrong in 2012 and show he still has many years left punching those corner flags.

Will 2012 Be the Year of Ross Barkley?

Having shown glimpses of his talent in short cameos late in 2011, Evertonians are already salivating over the potential of Ross Barkley. Keen to usher him in gently, David Moyes has been cautious integrating him in, keen to restrict his first team action and keep him involved in reserve and academy football.

With exceptionally tight technique, the ability to spread around some lavish passes and a powerful shot, Barkley has all the facets in his game to suggest he will become a top midfielder in the Premier League. The fact he has only just turned 18, yet has already won England Under-21 caps reflects the confidence many are investing in him.

Having witnessed his preseason form, many (including yours truly) tipped his breakout to come late in 2011. Whilst his name is far more recognised now, look to 2012 to see him fully established on all radars across the football world.

Barkley's lack of appearances so far have frustrated some supporters, however, with a hectic schedule sure to tire out certain first-team regulars that are slightly longer in the tooth, he may well get a chance sooner rather than later this year. When he does get the stage to perform, expect him to dazzle.

Where Will the Goals Come from in 2012?

Having highlighted Tim Cahill's barren run (not that he is technically a striker), other forwards on Everton's rosters have shown similar dismal form and, bereft of funds, David Moyes has found this position most troublesome to fill. Most players with goal scoring responsibilities have been found wanting in recent times.

Louis Saha has only registered twice this season, just once in the Premier League. If his four-goal performance against Blackpool in 2011 is put to one side, he only has four goals in 42 games, an alarming return. Out of contract at the end of the season, this current form is unlikely to see him at Goodison Park after the summer.

Elsewhere, Everton have the untried Denis Stracqualursi and the young, but promising, Apostolos Vellios. With Jermaine Beckford and Yakubu sent packing in August, David Moyes has limited options to toy with.

If each fan could request one player be signed, almost all would undoubtedly go for a striker, a position Everton have had little consistency in since Yakubu's first season at Goodison Park. Hopefully, in 2012, this can be addressed.

If Targeted, Who Is Likely to Be This Year's Major Departure?

With Steven Pienaar and Mikel Arteta courted and eventually captured by bigger fish, it is likely several other transfer heavyweights will look at Everton's stand out performers. Although notoriously stingy sellers, the cash-strapped outfit can do little if they receive a bumper bid for one of their primary assets.

Player of the Year Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini are the two most pivotal components of David Moyes' arsenal, and fans would be loathed to lose either. With both on long-term contracts, it is likely that any potential deal would at least have to involve a hefty wad of money.

Elsewhere, youngsters Jack Rodwell and Ross Barkley continue to attract interest in transfer gossip columns, although both would surely be wiser honing their games in the more secure environment at Everton. Moving so early in their career could have a detrimental effect on their early potential.

What Does 2012 Have in Store for David Moyes, and Everton?

As turbulent as football is, 2012 will no doubt throw up many different predicaments for Everton to navigate through. If they have to sell again to ease the debt, who goes?

Will the club be able to financially compete against their Premier League adversaries?

Is a takeover forever just going to be tabloid tattle, void of concrete interest?

However, away from money, a scenario many fans are curious about is David Moyes. Having enjoyed such a long tenure at the club, there will come a day when he moves on, could it be 2012?

The only jobs he may look to would be at clubs likely to finish above Everton and, having been a top seven club for most of the last six years, only the current top six seem creditable suitors. However, his stock just does not seem high enough to land a Manchester United, Arsenal or Manchester City job—I'm ignoring Liverpool—but would Tottenham ever seek his managerial pedigree?

With Harry Redknapp surely the top contender for the England job available in the summer, if the White Hart Lane club felt the Scot was their man, and a suitable successor to Redknapp, the promise of extra funds and Champions League football would surely be irresistible for Moyes?

Other than that, unless a club promised him a barrage of funds, where else would he turn?

Other questions for 2012 will centre around the club's continued search for a new stadium, whether David Moyes can steer the club into Europe once again and, of course, whether the Toffees can end their 16-and-a-half year quest for a trophy. Here's hoping!

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