Paul Merson makes shock prediction for Luton Town v Everton in Premier League clash
Paul Merson expects a run of three straight Everton wins to come to an end on Friday night.
In his weekly round of predictions, the former forward says he expects opponents Luton Town to claim a 2-1 victory at Kenilworth Road as the two sides meet.
In what was previously anticipated to be a crucial survival clash, Everton – despite continual disarray off the pitch – have done what they need to secure Premier League football for next season.
On Friday’s game, still vital for Luton, Merson told Sportskeeda: “There’s no margin for error. [Luton] have to win this one.
“Everton could take their foot off the gas now they’re safe.
“Elijah Adebayo is back for Luton and I’m backing them to win despite the odds being stacked against them.”
Will Everton make it four wins on the spin?
Amidst the obstacles surrounding Everton’s proposed takeover by 777 Partners from Farhad Moshiri, and Premier League profit and sustainability rules landing the club with eight points’ worth of deductions, Sean Dyche and his team have performed excellently in recent weeks.
Having now avoided the drop, Everton fans can take a momentary breath and reflect on how the deduction – however unideal – could have made matters far worse.
They sit in 15th; the eight points’ difference would only sit them two places higher in the table.
Merson’s statement about the odds being stacked against Luton may be true regarding expectations in the early stages of their inaugural Premier League season.
But the perception of them being underdogs on home soil against an unpredictable Everton side does appear wayward.
Rob Edwards’ side are desperate for points in a bid to outrank Nottingham Forest and Burnley for the final remaining survival spot. It’s perfectly plausible a club stays up with 30 points this season.
In a finely balanced encounter, we’re sure to see action, atmosphere and do-or-die spirit.
In other Everton news, reports say the club could have opted to stay at Goodison Park beyond 2025.
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