Chris Sutton has now predicted who will win as Everton take on Bournemouth at Goodison Park this afternoon.
Anticipating a tense affair, Sutton believes Everton will overcome the Cherries, picking up a 1-0 win on the last game of the season.
Writing in his weekly BBC Sport column, Sutton said: “I actually feel like this is an awkward game for Everton. Their fate is in their own hands and I think they will stay up, but Bournemouth will make things difficult for them.”
Indeed, this afternoon’s encounter is of great significance to Everton, who occupy 17th place in the Premier League ahead of kick-off, just two points above the relegation zone.
Sutton continues “Everton will play with great intensity but they have a worry over whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be fit enough to lead their attack, and they have not been free-scoring anyway.
Goodison Park will be a very tense place in the final few minutes if this game is as close as I think it will be, because I expect results elsewhere to mean that Everton have to win to stay up.”
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Sutton predicts victory and safety for Everton, but it is in their hands now
The visitors arrive at Goodison Park with nothing to play for, while top-flight status is on the line for Sean Dyche’s side.
Anxiety levels will be extremely high amongst the crowd, so an early goal for Everton would settle any nerves, but the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a blow, albeit a predictable one.
It will be interesting to see who Sean Dyche selects to play upfront with Calvert-Lewin unavailable, with Demarai Gray and £15m signing Neal Maupay the most likely candidates.
The significance of this game cannot be underestimated and the Everton players need to be up for the fight that lies ahead of them this afternoon.