Everton are a club stagnating at the moment, as they wallow in the relegation zone desperately hoping for a positive outcome from their ongoing appeal.
But few can predict who the independent commission might side with after the trial earlier this month, especially given how shocking the initial ten-point deduction proved to be back in November.
It was a landmark ruling, and one which sent shockwaves through the Premier League which continued reverberating throughout a barren January transfer window,
It is expected that, once again, how the Toffees are treated will set the benchmark for other clubs in the division, and how secure they can feel in spending freely.
So, it is not just Everton keen to learn their fate…
What Gary Lineker said about Everton’s appeal
Given the unpredictability of the Premier League, whose rash and reckless actions are quite clearly fuelled by the threat of an independent regulator, there is understandable worry on Merseyside.
After all, were it not for the deduction, Everton would sit 13th, well clear of the relegation zone.
However, at this point, fans would likely take whatever remuneration they could get just to offer them a timely boost, and that is just what Gary Lineker is expecting from the appeal outcome.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast alongside Alan Shearer, the former striker, who spent a hugely successful one-year spell at Goodison Park, claimed: ‘It’s seven games without a win, a worrying run of form really after having a particularly good spell after the points deduction, they rallied at that point but it’s still kind of hovering over them, that point deduction and whether it will get reduced.
‘I suspect it might without having any inside knowledge whatsoever I hasten to add.’
Something is better than nothing for Everton
After all the hardships faced, and remembering just how crushing that initial ten-point penalty was, at this point, something really is better than nothing for Everton.
Whether it be three points or all ten, both would provide a key boost that would lift them to a position of temporary safety ahead of Monday’s huge relegation dogfight with Crystal Palace.
Football finance expert Dr Dan Plumley had echoed Lineker’s words just yesterday too, and these similar testimonies should add to a positive feeling being bred at Everton.
However, there is always a fear of becoming too expectant with the Toffees, who have a rich and frustrating history of disappointing fans when they start to dream.
In this case, all they want now is some justice, and if that can come in the form of a few extra points then so be it. Every little helps when you’re scrapping at the foot of the table.
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