Are Everton Destined for Relegation?

After nearly 70 years in the topflight of English football, Everton may see themselves playing Championship football come the start of next season.

Following the very contentious appointment of ex Liverpool manager, Rafa Benitez, as the successor to Carlo Ancelotti back in June of last year, Everton have barely strung together four or five passes, let alone a run of any kind of form. And since the arrival of Frank Lampard as his replacement in January of this year, their luck nor form has seen no improvement.

With just 6 games remaining, the Toffees sit 18th in the league, two points from 17th placed Burnley and the prospect of second division football a looming possibility.

One thing keeping some Everton fans optimistic is that they do have a game in hand on Burnley, however, their schedule is far less enticing than the Clarets’, with Chelsea, Arsenal and Leicester still to play, as well as FA Cup semi-finalists Crystal Palace and an in-form Brentford.

Burnley on the other hand, much to the delight of fans, have hit some slight form following the dismissal of Sean Dyche after 10 years in charge. They have accumulated seven points out of a possible nine in their last three and with a much more favourable run-in to finish the season they look odds on to stay up as it stands.

There is however one more club Everton fans will be praying can be reeled in to take the relegation hit instead – Leeds United. Following a string of poor results and performances, largely thanks to a number of high-profile injuries including star man Kalvin Phillips as well as last season's top scorer Patrick Bamford, legendary manager and fan favourite Marcelo Bielsa was given the boot and replaced by American Coach Jesse Marsch.

Their form has subsequently improved, however, with three of their remaining five games coming against Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal, Everton will be praying for a turn in their luck so they can capitalise on Leeds’ tough remaining fixtures. They sit 16th, five points ahead of Everton at the moment but the Toffees have a game in hand, it is not totally inconceivable to suggest they can be caught.

The revival in the form of Everton’s front three will be crucial if Lampard is to guide the Toffees to safety. Anthony Gordan has been one of the only positives from an otherwise torrid season, with the young academy graduate playing an important role in their infrequent success this season.

£50 million signing Richarlison’s form has been frequently questioned this season however given the overall quality the team has been playing at, he is by no means Everton’s biggest concern. The Brazilian has still managed eight goals and three assists this term, including a 93rd-minute equaliser against Leicester last Wednesday.

However, the form of England international, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, has been worrying for Everton. The striker had a very impressive season under Carlo Ancelotti last term, scoring 16 goals in the league and attracting attention from some of Europe’s top clubs as an elite finisher who is also dominant in the air.

Fast forward 12 months however and after an unfortunate bout of injuries that has largely kept him on the sidelines this season, in the 13 games the forward has managed to play, he has only managed three goals and one assist. If he doesn’t find some form in the remaining few games, Everton, who have only scored 34 goals all season, will likely be heading for second division football next season.