Jamie Carragher has written in his Telegraph column that he is confident Everton will remain in 17th place come the close of play on Sunday afternoon – condemning Leeds United and Leicester to relegation to the Championship.
Everton are in the driving seat. They sit in the one remaining safe spot in the League table, on 33 points. The Foxes are in 19th on 31 points, above Leeds only on goal difference. There are two scenarios which see Leeds survive.
The first is the most obvious. Leeds simply have to beat Tottenham to stand any chance. Then, Everton lose at home to Bournemouth, and Leicester fail to beat West Ham. That sees Leeds climb to 34 points, above Everton.
It would see Sam Allardyce get one over the club that parted ways with him in his opinion, unfairly. The other way Leeds remain in the League is even more unlikely. Everton draw, Leicester fail to win, and Leeds win by three goals.
Basically, relegation for Leeds is almost inevitable. Leicester can stay up by beating West Ham, and Everton only drawing because the Foxes have a better goal difference. Carragher though, believes Everton will remain in 17th.
“I believe Everton stay up. Since Dyche took over they are one of the most effective set-piece teams – centre-backs are responsible for most of Everton’s goals. No side has conceded more from set-pieces than Bournemouth.
“That is where the game can be won and lost. The club is where it deserves to be at this moment. The Everton fans, however, deserve much better. It is those supporters who I do not want to see relegated into the Championship.”
Carragher confident Everton remain in 17th condemning Leeds, Leicester
Even with all of my Leeds bias injected, it is hard to disagree with Carragher. Everton are, as stated earlier, in the best position to remain in the Premier League. They probably have the easiest game of the three teams to play, too.
Leicester take on a West Ham side that are in excellent form – confident, and have momentum. Winning the semi-final against AZ, beating Leeds and Manchester United of late. David Moyes may rest his best players on Sunday.
Why would he risk the likes of Declan Rice, Michail Antonio, Kurt Zouma, Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen when there is a European final on the horizon? Leeds face a Spurs side who still have something to play for, Europe.
