Joleon Lescott believes his former club Everton will need to get “a big result” between now and the end of the season if they’re to avoid their first relegation in 71 years. Frank Lampard’s side slipped into the drop zone for the first time last weekend when a 2-0 Merseyside Derby defeat to Liverpool at Anfield followed Burnley’s 1-0 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Everton have taken just 29 points from 32 Premier League matches – the lowest equivalent total in their history at this stage of a season – but with six fixtures remaining, they have a game in hand on the Clarets who are now two points above them.
Burnley have the chance to increase that gap when they travel to next-to-bottom Watford on Saturday before Lampard faces his previous employers Chelsea – the club where he also spent the majority of his playing career – on Sunday.
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Examining Everton’s run-in, Lescott, who despite leaving the club in acrimonious circumstances in 2009 to join Manchester City, was still named in their best XI of the David Moyes era by this correspondent today, told LiveScore : “Having looked at the Toffees’ remaining fixtures, I reckon they can pick up seven or eight points between now and the end of the season which should see them scramble to safety. Clashes with Watford and Brentford next month are simply must-win games and I expect them to do so.
"But they are also going to need to find a battling draw or two from elsewhere. Being realistic, that’s going to be hard work against Thomas Tuchel’s side, or away at Arsenal on the final day. Therefore, a big result at Leicester or when hosting Crystal Palace may be a necessity.”
Despite being five points above Everton, Lescott reckons Leeds United – who have a difficult-looking run-in with Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea coming up in their next three games – could still be dragged back into the fight. He said: “Leeds are not out of the woods yet either. The Whites may only require three or four points to make sure of their safety but they will do well to take anything from upcoming meetings with Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea.
“They could quite easily need results against Brighton and Brentford, which will be easier said than done if they are arriving off the back of three heavy defeats. Jesse Marsch’s men also trail the other two sides badly in terms of their goal difference — something which could easily still play a part.”
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Joleon Lescott was speaking to LiveScore. To read his full column, click here.
