Sam Stone

Fri 29 April 2022 8:23, UK

Everton have been back to avoid their first-ever relegation to the Championship by the Liverpool Echo’s Joe Thomas.

Everton take on Chelsea this weekend in what promises to be an intriguing couple of weeks in the relegation battle.

Speaking on a live Q&A on Thursday Thomas believes Everton will narrowly avoid the drop: “I think they are [staying up].

“The situation is not good and the bookies have effectively made Everton favourites to go down for a reason.”

The Echo Journalist added: “Survival is still in Everton’s hands and while that remains the case I think they will be ok.

“Everton’s form isn’t actually too bad and their predicament comes as a result of Burnley picking up so dramatically, which will hopefully not last.”

Hard to call

The relegation battle is seemingly one from three of Everton, Burnley and Leeds, with Watford and Norwich probably as good as condemned to the Championship.

Everton’s issues come from how Burnley have picked up since the departure of Sean Dyche.

The Clarets have amassed 10 points from a possible 15 and have gone from seemingly doomed to now looking at Everton in the rear-view mirror.

It is also important to consider Leeds United in this relegation dog fight.

Although they’re five points ahead of the Toffees, Leeds face Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal in their next three fixtures.

Out of these three teams, Burnley seem the most equipped for a relegation scrap.

It is almost a yearly occurrence for the Lancashire side, whereas Leeds haven’t been involved in a relegation battle since their return to the Premier League.

As for Everton, this group of players and fans are in an alien position to be in and it will be fascinating to see how they handle the intensely pressurised situation they find themselves in.

In other Everton news, Jamie Carragher has savaged the Blues’ “awful” owner, Farhad Moshiri.

Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook for 24/7 updates on Everton plus more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.