Paul Brown shares ‘all-or-nothing’ Everton verdict as Premier League relegation claim made
Everton cannot afford to go “all out” to win the League Cup due to their “precarious” financial situation, according to journalist Paul Brown.
The Merseyside outfit welcome Premier League rivals Fulham to Goodison Park for a League Cup clash on Tuesday (19 December).
The quarter-final match represents a break from league action, with Everton currently sitting 16th in the table, seven points clear of the relegation zone.
“Outside of this fixture, there are only four Premier League teams left in it,” Brown told GIVEMESPORT. “I think it does present a huge opportunity for Everton to at least get to the final and then anything can happen.
“I don’t think they will be going all out to win it. I think the league is clearly much more important to them. They’ve given themselves a little bit of breathing space by clawing back the 10 points already with this great little recent run, but they can’t really afford to be throwing everything into a cup competition when their finances are so precarious.
“They can’t risk slipping back into a relegation battle. So I think you’ll see them go for it, but don’t think it’s exactly an all-or-nothing kind of deal for Everton this season.”
Cup run wanted?
Everton do need to be careful not to stretch themselves too much, with injuries and suspensions starting to hit Sean Dych’s side.
The Toffees are really enjoying themselves in the Premier League, having picked up four wins from their last four matches.
That fantastic run has brought them clear of the relegation zone, with Everton now on 16 points from their 17 matches.
Luton Town, Burnley and Sheffield United are all well below them in the bottom three on nine, eight and eight points respectively.
Nottingham Forest’s position in 17th also gives the Toffees some breathing room, although Dyche will want their fate to be in their own control.
The Goodison Park faithful will be delighted with the league form, but at the same time they will be desperate for a cup run, with the League Cup providing a superb opportunity for silverware.
Fulham will provide a tricky test, but supporters will really feel there is something magic in the air should the Toffees make it through this round.
In other Everton news, a Nottingham Forest ace has sent a message to a Toffees star after what he did against Burnley.