Everton head to Turf Moor on Saturday with a big opportunity to get back to winning ways against Burnley.
Having picked up a consistent run of form over recent weeks, David Moyes has experienced back-to-back defeats against Chelsea and Arsenal.
Despite the recent losses, Everton remain in the top half of the table ahead of the game in Lancashire on Saturday.
Jamie Carragher is expecting Everton to beat Burnley as the Toffees hope to return to winning ways.
Although Scott Parker’s side are struggling in the Premier League, Moyes will not be underestimating the Clarets who are searching for their first win since October.
Three big points are on the line for Everton, which may make Paul Merson’s prediction for the game even more controversial.
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Paul Merson drops controversial Burnley vs Everton prediction
Unfortunately, Merson did predict Everton to lose to Arsenal last weekend, but there will be a greater expectation on the Toffees.
Three points for Everton against the Clarets could see them return into the European qualification spots.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson has admitted that he thinks Everton will only be able to secure a point at Turf Moor on Saturday.
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“Burnley are somehow hanging in there. They never get hammered 4-0 or 5-0 and remain competitive in matches. Everton, on the other hand, have had two tough games and lost both,” he said.
“I’ve said this before, the Everton trio behind Thierno Barry is quite exciting. But unfortunately for David Moyes, Iliman Ndiaye is away on AFCON duty while Kieran Dewsbury-Hall is injured. That leaves him with just Jack Grealish for this game.
“Burnley need seven points from their next four games to have some hope of a comeback in the race to avoid relegation. I feel they have a chance to get something from this game with key attackers being unavailable for Everton.”
Merson is not alone with his 1-1 prediction, with Chris Sutton also expecting Burnley and Everton to draw in Lancashire.
Although the Blues are going into the game with some big absences, three points remain an absolute must against one of the Premier League’s struggling sides.
Everton can forget Europe if they cannot beat Burnley
Failing to beat Burnley would by no means make it mathematically difficult for Everton to qualify for Europe this season.
However, it certainly would not send a positive message around the club in a season which could offer a lot for the Blues.
Everton have a solid record against Burnley having won four of the last five games against the Clarets.
The big-name absences are something Moyes is having to deal with and it simply cannot act as an excuse for Everton being at their best.
Clearly, Everton feel they can push for Europe this season, but they cannot afford to miss out on three points against sides like Burnley.
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