Everton face Ipswich Town in the Premier League

Wed 16 October 2024 13:10, UK

Everton have been predicted to narrowly survive relegation at the end of the season as they prepare to face Ipswich Town on Saturday (19 October).

An Opta Analyst Super Computer has ruled that the Toffees have a 22.8 per cent chance of being relegated come the campaign's end, the fifth-highest of the 20 sides in the Premier League this season.

After winning just five points in their opening seven matches of the new campaign, that 22.8 per cent chance has increased from a pre-season prediction of 9.1 per cent, and will see them finish in 16th place.

The Blues have also been hit with a -8.0 drop from their expected points at the start of the season, but this is still predicted to result in Sean Dyche's staying up by 4.53 points with a final average tally of 38.7.

Everton poised to return to winning ways against Ipswich Town With Leicester City, Wolves, Ipswich and Southampton (by a distance) all predicted to finish lower than the Toffees at season's end, Dyche will be glad his side are facing one of those sides next up.

Ipswich sit directly below the Blues in the table and are one of four sides still winless so far, and the travelling fans will expect no less than to come away from Portman Road with three points.

Everton manager Sean Dyche will be keen to improve on his side's current unbeaten run [Credit: Imago] Despite their own lowly predictions, Dyche's side have returned to form in recent weeks with two draws either side of their maiden victory over Crystal Palace, a far cry from their early-season exploits.

Losing four games on the bounce left fans and pundits aplenty calling for Dyche to be shown the door, but the uptick in form and Dan Friedkin's ongoing takeover have combined to lift the mood at Goodison Park.

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However, there remains a long, long way to go in the season yet, and in order to both maintain his own job security and Everton's place in the top flight, Dyche must lead his side to a victory in Suffolk.

In other Everton news, one Goodison Park star's "unreal" display on international duty left Martin Keown in shock on TalkSPORT.