Jonty Banks

Fri 6 January 2023 6:30, UK

Everton have a 48% chance of relegation from the Premier League after Frank Lampard’s side were dealt a drubbing by Brighton on Tuesday (3 January), according to the Super Computer from FiveThirtyEight

The Toffees’ embarrassing 4-1 defeat at Goodison Park was their ninth loss from 18 league games this season and meant the club dropped into the relegation zone on goal difference.

Following this result, the Super Computer has predicted Lampard’s side will avoid relegation by the skin of their teeth, finishing 17th and only above relegated Wolves on goal difference.

The Super Computer believes the Toffees stand a 48% chance of relegation and will only pick up 34 points with a -24 goal difference by the end of the season.

Bournemouth have the highest chance of relegation to the Championship at 56%, with Southampton close on their heels after being predicted a 55% chance by the Super Computer.

Pressure

Lampard is well and truly under pressure following his side’s capitulation to the Seagulls, and this result highlights the worryingly soft underbelly the Toffees have.

After picking up a well-deserved draw against Premier League champions Manchester City, many fans would have hoped this could spring a return to form – but this couldn’t be further from the case.

The comical nature of Brighton’s goals will come as a worry to Lampard, as his team were caught out in transition numerous times and looked extremely vulnerable to counter-attacks.

Their upcoming clash against Southampton (Saturday 14 January) could well prove a season-definer, and anything other than a win will leave Everton in a heap of trouble.

Nathan Jones is yet to pick up a single point since his appointment as the Saints’ boss, and Lampard can’t afford to award him a freebie as his side did against Brighton.

A loss could well spell the end of the Englishman’s reign as Everton manager.