Premier League relegation swaps: What Everton, Leicester and Leeds need to stay on their feet
All eyes will be on the relegation battle on the final day of the Premier League season, and come what may, two great sides will join Southampton in the Championship.
History, for all the wrong reasons, will be written on Sunday with Everton and Leicester facing downside, as well as Leeds. Everton are one of the few players still in the Premier League, when the Foxes were reigning champions just six years ago.
Three years ago Leeds returned to the top flight after more than 20 away seasons and know it’s harder than ever to come back up.
Here is the lay of the land before the last weekend…
Everton
Everton are in charge and have their destiny in their hands. If they beat Bournemouth at home, they will be playing Premier League football next season, regardless of results elsewhere.
The Toffees were 19th when Sean Dyche was signed in January and he was impressed to bring them out of relegation places.
They will like their chances at home against a Bournemouth side who secured their safety weeks ago and have nothing to play for.
Everton, however, may have to make do without star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin – who is out with a hamstring injury.
Leicester
Seven years ago Leicester celebrated the league title and now they are fighting to survive.
Foxes boss Dean Smith has promised his side will come out with ‘all guns’ as they take on West Ham at home.
After drawing 0-0 at Newcastle on Monday, Leicester’s fate is not in their hands. They have to beat West Ham and then hope Everton draw or lose.
It promises to be a rowdy atmosphere at the King Power Stadium and the Foxes could also be helped by West Ham having their eye on their Europa Conference League final next month.
Leeds
Like Leicester, Leeds must also win to have any chance of avoiding relegation.
Sam Allardyce’s side, however, are dependent on Leicester failing and Everton losing. If the Toffees draw, then Leeds should beat Tottenham by three clear goals.
Allardyce claimed a point from his three games in charge and will be looking to draw in the Elland Road crowd to pull off a final day miracle.
Tottenham go there in poor form having won one of their last seven matches, but they remain in the fight to qualify for Europe.
standard Sport
