The two clubs that will join the already relegated Southampton in the second tier will find themselves on the edge of a financial precipice: sports business experts Deloitte estimate that one season of play in the Premier League costs up to 170 million pounds ($210 million).
Everton cannot afford such a blow, the Toffees are already seeking outside investment just to be able to complete the club’s new stadium.
They are the only side in full control of their own destiny, as a win at home against Bournemouth would extend their stay in the top division to 70 years.
However, Sean Dyche’s charges have won just once in 10 matches and will be without talismanic striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who will give Leicester and Leeds hope.
We want the players to focus on the game, Dyche said Friday. It’s not as easy as it sounds, but that’s the idea: to focus on what’s happening on the field and not pay attention to all the noise.
Don’t worry about all the rumors, don’t worry about everything that happens off the field.
Leicester’s fall
If fourth Everton doesn’t win, third Leicester can survive by beating West Ham at home thanks to a better goal difference.
Seven years ago, the Foxes celebrated the most unlikely of title triumphs.
It ushered in a glorious era when they finished in fifth place in a row in the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons and won the FA Cup for the first time just two years ago under Brendan Rodgers.
Maney thought the squad, which included such talents as James Maddison, Yuri Thielemans and Harvey Barnes, was too good to fail.
But the tale turned into a nightmare this season, as Rodgers lamented the lack of investment to renew the roster before he was fired in April.
Dean Smith failed to achieve a reversal of fortune with just one win in seven games as head coach.
We have to win the game and not look at Everton’s result until after the match, Smith said. We have to do our job and see where it takes us.
Second-seeded Leeds needs a miracle to avoid the end of their three-season stay in the big leagues.
A win over Tottenham at Elland Road will only be enough for Leeds boss Sam Allardyce if Everthe will lose, and Leicester will not win.
If Everton even draws, Leeds will need to beat Tottenham by three goals difference to survive.
I just hope we’re talking positive on Monday morning and I have a hangover! Allardyce said about the possibility of him staying at the club until the end of the season.
Tottenham’s result could affect the only issue yet to be decided – Europa League qualification for next season.
Aston Villa are in pole position and if they beat Brighton will secure a return to Europe for the first time in 13 years.
Tottenham could sneak into seventh place if they beat Villa.
But if neither side wins, Brentford can qualify for Europe for the first time in their history with a shock victory over champions Manchester City in west London.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle have already guaranteed themselves a Champions League appearance next season with City.
Liverpool and Brighton will participate in the Europa League.
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