Peter Lynch

Tue 15 August 2023 20:40, UK

Chris Sutton is “absolutely convinced” Everton will stay in the Premier League this season if Dominic Calvert-Lewin stays fit.

But if the striker continues to struggle with injury, Sutton believes the Toffees will be in “a bit of trouble” over the coming months.

Everton managed to stay in the top flight on the very last day of last season with a 1-0 win against Bournemouth at Goodison Park.

“They had opportunities, they were creative,” Sutton said live on The Monday Night Club on BBC 5 Live Sport (14 August). “And in that respect, Sean Dyche will think ‘that’s good, we’re ticking that box.’

“But I think it’s going to be the same old season, unless he pulls a striker in. I know they’ve signed Youssef Chermiti from Sporting Lisbon, but is he ready now?

“Calvert-Lewin needs to get fit and play, and if does, I’m absolutely convinced that Everton will stay up. If he doesn’t, I think they’ll be in a bit of trouble.”

Tough times ahead

Everton have been in a bit of bother on the pitch for some time now, with the Toffees heavily involved in a Premier League relegation battle for the past two seasons.

Last time out was particularly worrying for fans, many of which may have been optimistic that things would be different going into the new campaign. But Dyche’s side got off to the worst possible start, losing 1-0 to Fulham at Goodison Park on Saturday (12 August).

Fortunately, the manager can at least take one positive from the loss in terms of the chances created, with the home side registering 19 shots throughout the 90 minutes.

But the fact they failed to score from any of those chances highlights just how much they are missing a natural goal scorer.

They do, of course, have Calvert-Lewin among their ranks, but the star striker is currently continuing his rehabilitation from his latest injury setback.

In other Everton news, the Toffees are in attacking “dismay” after breaking an unwanted Premier League record against Fulham.