Manchester City and Everton badges on top of Goodison Park
Manchester City and Everton both have grievances with the Premier League
Declan Carr
Wed 27 November 2024 20:10, UK
Everton could be given a huge relegation boost if Manchester City lose their legal battle with the Premier League, according to a report from the Times’ Martyn Ziegler.
The Blues have struggled in their opening 12 Premier League matches, winning just two games and sitting in 15th place, two points above the relegation zone.
With the Toffees struggling to score goals, they seem to be set for another season of misery but they may have a lifeline even if they do find themselves relegated at the end of the campaign.
Defending champions Manchester City could be relegated if they are found guilty of the most serious Financial Fair Play offences according to Ziegler’s report, which would leave the Goodison Park side off the hook if they manage to finish in 18th place.
The report states that: “The case against Manchester City for 115 alleged breaches of Premier League rules may not be concluded before the end of this season after it emerged that the hearing will not be finished until the middle of December.”
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“Legal experts have told The Times that there is a good chance any appeal would not be resolved before the end of May, creating a huge potential headache for the Premier League if sanctions are imposed which would have an impact on other clubs.”
“If the most serious charges, around allegedly not accurately reporting financial information over nine years, are found proven City could face relegation or a huge points deduction.”
Everton should ensure survival on the pitch
The Blues should ensure that they survive a relegation battle on the pitch rather than rely on decisions made in a courtroom.
Sean Dyche’s side have the quality to do so, with Jordan Pickford and Jarrad Branthwaite particularly impressive in a defence that has kept four clean sheets in their last six matches.
However, they struggle to score goals with just three in their last six league games, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is on a miserable run of form, Beto is not trusted by the manager and Armando Broja has had constant fitness issues since he signed for the club.
Everton foward Armando Broja
Armando Broja signed for Everton from Chelsea [Credit: Everton Football Club on YouTube]
They have a tough festive period on the horizon with fixtures against Manchester United, Wolves, arch-rivals Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City in the next six.
They could very well find themselves in the relegation zone after that run, but must ensure that they pick themselves up and bounce back if they do.
The Friedkin Group are set to complete their takeover in the near future, so there is at least some cause for excitement but the Blues must ensure they focus on developments on the pitch in the meantime.
In other Everton news, Opta’s Super Computer has predicted Everton’s relegation chances.
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