Chris Sutton says Everton will be in a relegation fight if they lose to Newcastle
Chris Sutton believes Everton could be dragged into a relegation battle if they lose to Newcastle in Frank Lampard’s first league game in charge.
The Toffees claimed a 4-1 win in Lampard’s first game as manager in the FA Cup vs Brentford on Saturday, but now travel to St James’ Park in a relegation six-pointer.
Deadline day signings Dele Alli and Donny Van de Beek are set to make their debuts, but former Blackburn striker Sutton told Daily Mail he thinks there are a lot of unanswered questions in the squad.
“Is Dele Alli capable of playing like he did in his prime? What about Donny van de Beek? Everton want to play a more expansive game under Frank Lampard but right now, their priority is to not be dragged down into the relegation race.
“They are currently on the edge of it. Lose to Newcastle, however, and they are properly in it. This game could go either way. It is bound to be a close contest.”
Momentum
Both of these sides are battling to get momentum in their league campaigns, so it’s interesting that they come up against each other in the first league game since the January window.
Newcastle made big signings this winter to get themselves out of trouble, while Everton are currently just four points above the drop zone.
Lampard showed glimpses of what his side could do going forward, but it’s such a small sample size and there are still doubts over their league form where they have won just once since September.
If the January signings don’t hit the ground running, then Lampard will have to prove he was the right man to take over while being in a tough position where points are a necessity.
Sutton raises a great point about him wanting to employ a more fluid style while battling relegation, and it may be a case that he has to pick one or the other for now.
In other Everton news, View: Lampard rings changes, Donny & Alli calls made – Predicted Everton XI v Newcastle