Everton fixtures compared to Leicester & Leeds
Sean Dyche’s Everton have Yerry Mina to thank for his 99th-minute equaliser as the share of the spoils at Wolves extends their buffer from the drop zone to two points.
Hwang Hee-chan opened the scoring on Saturday, but the Toffees were sent into elation when their Colombian defender-turn-scorer combined with his central defensive partner Michael Keane and clinched a point with a last-gasp scramble.
Now, Everton have one final game to play out in order to stay afloat, but will be praying on the downfall of those involved in the relegation battle to retain their buffer.
Here’s the concluding fixtures for the four clubs flirting with relegation to the Championship.
Everton’s last stand will come at home to Bournemouth.
If their shock 5-1 drubbing over Europa League-chasing Brighton is anything to go by, then Dyche will ingrain into his side that anything is possible.
As things stand, Everton are two points from the relegations spots but have played one extra than those below them. The Goodison Park faithful will be keeping an eye on the results of the others over the course of this weekend.
If at least one of 18th-placed Leeds or 19th-placed Leicester win this weekend, then the Toffees will drop into the relegation zone.
Date / Kick-off time |
Fixture |
---|---|
28/05/2023 / 16:30 |
Everton vs Bournemouth |
The 2015/16 Premier League champion’s credibility in the top flight is being put to the test as they play out their final two fixtures of this season. They have not finished lower than 14th since their return back in 2014, but will certainly set a new lowest ranking even if they do avoid relegation.
With two games left, Dean Smith has high-flying Newcastle and Europa League Conference finalists West Ham to contend with as he looks to veer his side towards safety. Leicester have, however, scored more goals than any other team in the bottom half which may play into the hands of the Foxes.
Newcastle do pose a huge threat to their chances of staying up as their relentless scoring streak of late an defensive formidability have turned them into a different entity in the Premier League, with their third place to show for it. Despite their respectable scoring record, Leicester have failed to convert in their two meetings with the Magpies this season.
Date / Kick-off time |
Fixture |
---|---|
22/05/2023 / 20:00 |
Newcastle vs Leicester |
28/05/2023 / 16:30 |
Leicester vs West Ham |
The man Leeds employed to keep them afloat has not done, shall we say, the best of jobs since his arrival. However – in fairness – his opening two fixtures have been onerous. The specialist of staying up will look to add Leeds to his list of clubs he has saved but will have to steady his defensive ship to do so.
Big Sam will now face a former club of his again after snatching a point from third-placed Newcastle last time out. Now it’s West Ham, who he managed over the span of four years, that his new club face next.
Luckily for the veteran boss, West Ham would be entitled to turn their focus towards the Europa Conference League final they find on their horizon, with their position in the Premier League essentially safe. Tottenham’s present downfall will add a glimmer of hope to their final fixture as interim boss Ryan Mason has enjoyed one sole victory since taking charge.
Date / Kick-off time |
Fixture |
---|---|
21/05/2023 / 13:30 |
West Ham vs Leeds |
28/05/2023 / 16:30 |
Leeds vs Tottenham |