Ray Parlour and Alan Brazil debate Everton relegation question live on talkSPORT
Ray Parlour and Alan Brazil have debated whether Everton could face relegation this season, particularly with the possibility of a 12-point deduction, but Parlour was confident they can stay up.
The former Arsenal midfielder claimed there would be four teams in the Premier League that he could see going down this season, although Everton were not among them.
After mentioning the possibility of the 12-point deduction which was reported by The Telegraph [25 October], Parlour agreed that that would be the difference between whether or not Everton find themselves struggling.
The pair were discussing the relegation battle and who they believe will go down live on talkSPORT [27 October, 09:39], when Brazil questioned: “Did you mention Bournemouth and Burnley?”
Parlour then responded: “Yeah, Bournemouth, I saw Burnely at the weekend and I worry for them, I think they’ve got to try and get some points from somewhere. I can see Sheffield United, Luton, Bournemouth, and who was the other one we said?”
Brazil then mentioned: “Well, we said Everton could be dragged into this if they lose 12 points,” before Parlour came back with “That’s going to be the big one. If they don’t lose 12 points I can’t see Everton being involved.
“I can see four clubs to go down really, other than that I can’t see who… Fulham will have enough, and Brentford definitely have enough to be nowhere near a relegation battle. I’d love everyone to stay up but realistically I can see four teams fighting it out for three places.”
The decision is key
It will be a nervous wait for Everton fans to find out their eventual fate as an independent disciplinary board continues to investigate claims of financial breaches from Goodison Park, with the Premier League’s point deduction recommendation the nightmare outcome.
As things stand, no decision has been made on the outcome of the investigation, and Everton have maintained their stance that they have not broken any rules, as they remain confident of avoiding any potential punishment.
Parlour was confident in his claims that Everton would have enough about them to avoid getting dragged into the relegation battle, with teams below them more at risk of the drop, including the likes of Sheffield United, Bournemouth and Luton.
Fans will be awaiting the ultimate decision surrounding a points deduction, and whatever the outcome is, the rest of the season will be a fight to stay up.
In other Everton news, Megan Finnigan paid a touching tribute to Bill Kenwright.