Everton in ‘Serious Trouble’ if they lose v Burnley – BBC Sport pundit
Everton could be relegated if they lose against Burnley on Saturday afternoon, according to BBC Sport pundit Stephen Warnock.
The Toffees take on Burnley at 3pm at Goodison Park, and head into the game four points above the relegation zone but are expecting a second points deduction following PSR breaches this season.
That could make things difficult and with the team winless in 13 games, Warnock told Football Focus (6 April) that if they fail to beat Vincent Kompany’s side they will be in “serious trouble”.
“Lose that today [vs Burnley] they’re in serious trouble,” he said. “I think they could go [be relegated].
“I really do. I really do. Because they’re just in such a rut. Big changes when they went behind the other night, Sean Dyche brought on footballers who were better, and they had a real good go at it and it changed the game.
“But if they get beat today, I worry for them. I really do.”
Everton must win and build momentum
13 games without a win in the Premier League, or any competition, is far too many and it’s a credit to how well the team did earlier in the season that they’re not rock bottom right now.
Before the initial points deduction in December the team were in good form and cruising in mid-table, but they have struggled ever since with getting momentum to go in their favour.
Claiming a late draw at St James’ Park with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring for the first time in 23 games felt like a huge turning point for everyone involved.
Dyche now needs to turn that draw into momentum and a win at Goodison Park against a relegation rival, in front of the home fans will boost morale massively and help the club move away from the drop zone.
But a defeat could bring real problems, and Warnock is right. Serious trouble would be on the horizon. This is a must win game.
In other Everton news, Champions League chiefs “already dealt with” Toffees star ahead of potential summer transfer.
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