BBC pundit: Everton and Burnley will fight Premier League relegation battle
Ray Houghton has said that Everton and Burnley will be involved in the relegation battle while Watford and Norwich City will go down in the Championship.
The BBC pundit has praised Burnley’s Nick Pope as the Clarets drew 1-1 against West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday.
Burnley are now three points behind Everton having played a game more.
“If Burnley score the penalty, they win. It is between them and Everton in the relegation battle; Watford and Norwich look like they will be in the Championship next season,” said Houghton, as quoted by BBC Sport.
“They probably lose in the end without Nick Pope. He was magnificent. Burnley know what a performance he produced.”
Hope
The Toffees will be closely following the results of Burnley, although Leeds United are not completely safe yet.
Burnley had a great opportunity to seal all three points today but they ended up with a 1-1 scoreline at the London Stadium, where Maxwel Cornet missed a penalty.
The Toffees now have a golden opportunity to extend the gap in the midweek when they will face Leicester City at Goodison Park.
It’s been a disappointing season for the Foxes and the Toffees should feel confident that they can secure all three points at home.
Under Frank Lampard, the home form has been better compared to the away from Goodison. With fans behind them, they will be hoping for another strong performance at home.
Having beaten Manchester United in their previous game, the confidence in the team should be sky-high.
Moreover, they have got a lengthy break. The players will feel refreshed while Lampard surely has prepared his team very well for their upcoming game.
Every point is vital here. It would be a huge disappointment if they lose against the Foxes on Wednesday.
In other Everton news, more competition could be incoming for Branthwaite as the club scout this £19million-rated defender playing in Turkey.
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