Gabby Agbonlahor foresees another tough Premier League campaign for Everton this time around.
Having narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League last time out, having only secured survival on the final day of the season, Everton could be set for another prolonged struggle near the bottom of the table.
Former Aston Villa attacker and pundit Gabby Agbonlahor certainly believes that Everton are in danger of losing their top flight status.
Speaking on TalkSport, the former England international predicted that newly-promoted pair Luton Town and Sheffield United will both be sent straight back down to the second tier. As for who he believes will join them in the Championship next season, he said, “the third one’s up for grabs. I think Everton will be down there.”
Things did improve for the Toffees after Sean Dyche took over from Frank Lampard in the dugout at Goodison Park. However, the new boss didn’t have such an overwhelming impact that Everton were able to quickly and comfortably steer themselves clear of trouble.
Everton flirting with danger
The Merseyside club’s new season hasn’t got off to a perfect start, either. They lost their opening game 1-0 against Fulham. Whilst Dyche’s side arguably produced the better performance out of the two teams, their inability to score very presentable chances proved their undoing once again.
Efforts have been made this summer to improve the club’s fortunes this season. The likes of Ashley Young, Arnaut Danjuma, Youssef Chermiti, and Jack Harrison have all been brought in to strengthen the options available to Dyche. Whether enough has been done, though, to reverse the downward trajectory that Everton have been spiralling in for several seasons remains to be seen.
One thing that is certain, though, is relegation to the Championship would be a disaster for Everton. The club have never been out of the Premier League, and with a new stadium on the way, a drop to the second tier could have financially ruinous ramifications.