Everton are certainly embroiled in another relegation battle, having narrowly escaped the drop in the past two successive seasons.
However, it was thought that with his expertise around the lower end of the Premier League, Sean Dyche would have ensured this was a year of progression. Few could have predicted the off-pitch antics that would occur.
So, despite actually having earned 31 points, they currently sit on just 25, a mere four points away from 18th-placed Luton Town, who play tonight.
Relegation remains a worrying reality for the Toffees, and now a fresh prediction has been made.
What Danny Murphy said about Everton
Speaking live on talkSPORT earlier today (13/03, 10:40 am), the relegation battle was a keen topic of discussion between Jim White, Simon Jordan and Danny Murphy.
The latter would kick off the debate, which was started through the adulation Luton Town were receiving, by noting: ‘This is the message Rob Edwards has to keep giving to his Luton players because those couple of teams above are fighting for their lives.
‘But Everton, their season was summed up by that first half against Manchester United. They played really well, just got in the final third and not got that cutting edge.’
White would then pose the all-important question about Everton: ‘Do they deserve to stay in the Premier League?’
Murphy replied: ‘If they carry on the way they are they’re in a world of trouble. My gut feeling is Dyche has been there, done it and got the t-shirt in terms of being in this position with Burnley. The Everton players won’t panic because the management will keep getting them to do the same things.’
Everton have more than enough to avoid relegation
As aforementioned, this is a side that has actually earned enough points to currently sit 14th in the table.
It is only through the misconduct of the ownership that they are not in such a position of safety.
With a misfiring strike force and wingers who have lost their ability to create, this is a side completely blunted. Fortunately, they remain resolute at the back, even if that has faltered in recent weeks.
The foundation is in place for success, and the chances are being created too.
It just feels like once it all clicks and they regain some confidence, they will fly back up the table.
Until then, however, fans must stick by this group of players. Clearly lacking any belief, a short break in Portugal should work wonders in allowing them to depart, refresh their minds, and return ready to fire the Toffees to the safety Murphy predicts.
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