Everton captain Phil Neville is targeting a positive start to next season after Arsenal were confirmed as the visitors to Goodison Park for the opening day of the campaign.
The Toffees, who finished fifth in the Barclays Premier League, drew 1-1 at home to Arsene Wenger's side in January - being denied victory only by Robin van Persie's 90th-minute equaliser - having lost 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium in October.
Neville believes a good performance at home to the Gunners on August 15 can set them up for another successful season.
"I am like every other football fan when the fixtures come out," Neville told www.evertonfc.com. "We all want to know who we have got in the first few weeks and over Christmas and the new year.
"The opening fixture of a new season is always an exciting one anyway but the fact we are playing a side like Arsenal adds even more spice to the occasion.
"A full house at Goodison on day one is always something special and we will be looking to get off to a good start."
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A successful start is vital for Everton if they are to improve on their 5th place last season. It provides a team with confidence and this is vital for a club like Everton with its relatively meagre squad. I hope that we will be able to acquire the new players to strengthen the defence at right back, a midfield general and possibly a reliable hit man up front. If we can acquite succh players without losing any of our first team squad then we can look with confidence at the coming season.
Yeh Gary but if Dopy- Bayour is playing we wont score he will be out of breath by the time he exits the tunnel
Yea good luck Neville. A fully fit Arsenal?...................You will go down!
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