Four things inconsistent Everton need to get back on track

Everton, 5/1 for a top six finish, must hope they can rally in the second half of the season and snatch a Europa League spot.

It is all a far cry from Roberto Martinez’s maiden campaign with the Toffees, when the Merseyside men threatened to upset the status quo and topple the established order by gatecrashing the top four.

Swashbuckling football and sensational scalps were on the menu at Goodison Park, with Arsenal and Manchester United among the giants schooled by Everton.

Now, we consider the Toffees’ dramatic drop in form and what they need to achieve a respectable finish to this term.

Not for sale
Everton fans have long been used to other clubs circling for their star players, but last season’s success and big spending summer was supposed to herald a new era.

While it may be tempting for the Toffees to cash in again to raise funds to refresh their own squad, the Merseyside men must hold firm and resist any offers in the winter window.

Stability will be key to the club’s performance after the frenzy of the festive period has passed. Those who may be top transfer targets, including the likes of Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy, must be retained until the summer if Everton are serious about their aspirations.

Quick fixes
While short term stop gaps are usually a last resort, Everton have been plagued by injuries over recent weeks.

Super stopper Tim Howard has been sidelined for around six weeks with a torn calf, which is surely one of Martinez’s most pressing problems.

The Catalan coach’s former charge, Wigan custodian Ali Al Habsi, has been linked with a temporary switch, but the Oman international is due to depart for the Asian Cup shortly.

Perhaps more fitting, and top quality, choices to plug the vacancy between the posts could be Chelsea back up keeper Mark Schwarzer or an audacious attempt to land free agent Victor Valdes.