Paul Merson shares new Everton relegation prediction in ‘shocked’ verdict
Paul Merson would be “shocked” if Everton were to be relegated from the Premier League with Sean Dyche in charge.
The Toffees opened their 2024/25 Premier League campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at Goodison Park, which was compiled by Ashley Young’s sending-off during the game.
While Merson was speaking ahead of Sean Dyche’s side’s match against Tottenham, which they went on to lose 4-0, the former Arsenal forward was adamant that the Toffees would not face the drop this season.
Speaking live via Sky Sports ahead of the Spurs clash on Saturday (24 August, 2:19pm), Merson said: “I don’t see them going down. The thing with them is they’ll never change their game, so they’ll keep playing the same way.
“The team down the bottom have to change when they’re struggling, then it becomes a struggle. Southampton, Ipswich Town and Leicester City play good football. If they start losing football matches, and they have to change how they play, it’s much harder.
“Everton will play the same way the whole time – the Sean Dyche-know how. I’d be shocked if Everton went down.”
Everton to escape relegation for third successive campaign?
Evertonians have gotten very used to the feeling of battling relegation, even if Dyche’s side did manage to finish 14 points above the dropzone with a total of eight points deducted last season.
The Toffees could be in for another difficult campaign at Goodison Park, with the Merseyside club conceding seven goals in their opening two games while scoring zero.
While many fans are expecting Dyche’s side to experience a tough campaign, keeping the ball out of the back of the net was a major part of staying in the Premier League last term.
However, with Jarrad Branthwaite and James Garner yet to return from injury, and Ashley Young now suspended following his red card against Brighton, it is no wonder why they’re struggling.
Luckily for the Toffees, there are still 36 league matches left to play and plenty of chances to claim three points, but another relegation battle does look to be on the cards again.
In other Everton news, Sam Allardyce has defended Farhad Moshiri in a new “gut-wrenching” verdict.
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