Well, with the entire Premier League set to have played by the time Everton’s match rolls around, they will know exactly what needs to be done to get where they want to be in the table.
A favourable set of results for Sean Dyche’s men will likely leave them buoyed, and thus throw up an interesting opportunity for them to hopefully capitalise at Stamford Bridge.
After all, Chelsea are hardly unstoppable this season…
Two pundits, speaking last night after analysing all the day’s top-flight football, would then weigh in on the relegation battle.
Micah Richards & Gary Lineker on the relegation battle
Speaking onMatch of the Day last night, the three pundits were all left aghast as Burnley goalkeeper Arijanet Muric made yet another huge blunder to sacrifice two points for his side.
It was the second error he had made in as many weeks, having fired his clearance straight at Dominic Calvert-Lewin just last Saturday to gift the Toffees all three points.
Well, the host Gary Lineker was the first to weigh in on just how huge this flashpoint could be on the relegation battle, noting: ‘Well this is how it affects it, I mean they could conceivably have had three or four more points couldn’t they and then been really close to it, and then they’ve got Sheffield United next. I mean it’s a massive blow.
‘It’s tight, I mean obviously they’ve got the impending appeals, we don’t know where we are with it.’
Richards responded: ‘We don’t know where we are with it, like Martin said it’s a huge blow for Burnley. I think Everton will be alright, I think Burnley, they’ll be looking at that thinking it’s a real problem for them now.’
Lineker would then pose the following question: ‘What do you think will happen with the points deduction?’
Well, the former Manchester City right-back was left just as bemused as the rest of us: ‘We don’t know, we might not know until the last day. We’re talking until the end of the season, it needs sorting out.’
‘I absolutely agree,’ concurred Lineker.
A fine set of results for Everton this weekend
Despite some of their relegation rivals picking up points this weekend, on the whole, Saturday marked a largely positive day in the Premier League for Everton.
After all, the bulk of results did go their way, and now Monday’s clash with Chelsea has seen huge pressure lifted.
It could allow Dyche’s side to play with some freedom at last, having admittedly lacked it all season.
Yesterday was kicked off with Newcastle United’s drubbing of Tottenham Hotspur on Tyneside, which set the bar high for results few expected.
However, following that, everything else pretty much went to plan.
Brentford’s win over Sheffield United was not ideal but completely predictable, whilst Luton Town suffered yet another heavy defeat, this time at Manchester City. Their goal difference could prove pivotal in this battle for survival.
Then, Burnley once again saw crucial points stolen by their goalkeeper, as a one-goal lead against Brighton and Hove Albion was brutally surrendered.
Nottingham Forest also drew, meaning the two sides only picked up a solitary point, whilst Crystal Palace travel to Anfield later today hoping to solidify their top-flight status.