Liverpool
Last season, Liverpool achieved their major target: that of making a return to the Champions League (or be it they have to navigate a tricky play-off tie against Hoffenheim to ensure group stage entry). That said, last season they had one major benefit, just like Chelsea did, that of no European football. Liverpool severely lack in squad depth, however, and with a European campaign this will be tested even further. The signing of Andy Robertson from Hull should help give competition to James Milner at left-back. A commanding goalkeeper would certainly not go amiss, someone who would be a guaranteed no.1 in the ilk of David De Gea for Manchester United, Thibaut Courtois for Chelsea. A top quality central defender is surely needed if they are going to mount another serious top 4 challenge, the target being Virgil Van Dijk however Southampton do not want to sell him unless Liverpool pay the £60m+ that Southampton are asking for, which is quite frankly too much. A defensive midfielder would not go amiss, either, someone who could prove a quality alternative to Jordan Henderson in the midfield. The signing of Mohamed Salah should ease the problem Liverpool had in attack when Sadio Mane was injured and ruled out during the month of January due to the Africa Cup of Nations. Also, the signing of Dominic Solanke should prove to be a useful backup option in attack. However, the big question mark on Liverpool is whether Philippe Coutinho will stay or not. Liverpool cannot afford to sell him, as he is arguably their best player, and if he leaves they will take a huge hit. Therefore their season hinges hugely on whether Philippe Coutinho will stay or not.
Everton
Last season they managed a major improvement under Ronald Koeman, and seeing the signings they have made it suggests that they have strong ambitions to break into the top 6. The signing of Jordan Pickford will represent an upgrade (no disrespect intended) on Maarten Stekelenburg. The signing of defender Michael Keane should prove a very good one, and at just 24 years old, he certainly has not yet reached his peak. The signing of Wayne Rooney certainly shows a statement of intent from the Dutch manager, and will give them a level of composure and leadership in the team. The signing of Sandro Ramirez from Malaga for around just £5m could prove to be one of the bargain buys of the summer, whilst the signing of Davy Klaasen could prove to be an upgrade in the no.10 role. A player who impressed a lot last season during the second part was Tom Davies, who showed maturity of a 35-year old footballer at times in the midfield, and it will be interesting to see what he can do over a full season, and maybe whether he can force himself into the England squad (although that might be stretching it a bit). Everton certainly look like a team who can challenge to break into the top 6, even if they've lost last season's top scorer Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United. However, Everton certainly are showing their intent.