Danny Murphy predicts Everton to be flattened after what Jim White said on talkSPORT
Danny Murphy believes Everton will face an uphill battle in their match against Manchester City when the Premier League returns from the World Cup winter break.
Frank Lampard’s side currently sits just one point above the relegation zone after five defeats in their last seven outings, with The Toffees boss falling under increasing pressure as a result.
Everton will re-commence their season on Boxing Day with a crucial match against Wolves at Goodison Park before travelling to The Etihad Stadium on New Year’s Eve.
Speaking live on talkSPORT radio on Wednesday 16 November, Murphy was asked by Jim White how he thought City would fare in their opening three fixtures – the second of which is against Everton.
“They’re looking at nine points,” Murphy said.
“They’re getting the nine points when they get their 16 players back from the World Cup?” White replied in amazement.
“To be honest, they will probably be looking at nine points irrelevant of the World Cup that’s how good they are,” Murphy added.
“I think City, when you see them come back, as with United, with all the players who have been playing in the World Cup, they’ll just carry on.”
Worrying times
Picking up a result against Manchester City is probably not a realistic match to target for Everton and Frank Lampard, but the manner of defeat could prove essential.
The Toffees are not scoring enough goals in attack and have started leaking more goals at the back – a combination that could easily draw them into a relegation fight for the second season running.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin no longer a viable option for Lampard as his number nine due to the never-ending list of injuries, Everton will be looking to make it to the January transfer window without too much embarrassment.
Selling Anthony Gordon might become a necessity if Lampard does not have the funds to repair his squad adequately, with the youngster heavily linked with moves to Chelsea and Spurs in the summer.
Some major surgery will be required in January, but whether Lampard will be there to lead it is yet to be known. A possible result against Manchester City would go a long way to securing his position in the dugout.