Supercomputer updates Everton relegation chances after Liverpool postponement

Everton are still predicted to avoid relegation from the Premier League this season after the clash against Liverpool was postponed on Saturday, according to The Opta Analyst supercomputer.

The Blues were preparing to face the Premier League leaders in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park until disruptions caused by Storm Darragh forced the match to be abandoned on 7 December.

However, the supercomputer has decreased the Toffees’ odds of relegation by four per cent due to results for the sides below them over the weekend.

On 5 December, one day after the 4-0 victory over Wolves at Goodison Park, Everton stood an 18.2 per cent chance of relegation, which now stands at 14.2 per cent after Southampton, Ipswich Town and Wolves lost and Leicester City drew.

Everton must improve to survive relegation

While Sean Dyche will undoubtedly be relieved that his players have been granted a much-needed respite heading into the festive period, it is paramount that Everton start winning matches.

The sides below the Merseyside outfit in the league table are not guaranteed to continue dropping points, and only a five-point gap exists between the Blues and the drop zone.

Furthermore, Dyche is facing the most daunting fixture schedule heading into the New Year, with a trip to Arsenal on Saturday [14 December], followed by clashes against high-flying Chelsea, reigning English champions Manchester City and this year’s surprise package Nottingham Forest.

Despite the win against Wolves, Everton will be heading into the fixtures as underdogs and likely to enter 2025 without any more points on the board.

Luckily for Dyche, the Blues are 32.1 per cent more likely to retain their Premier League status than the next most likely outfit to survive, Leicester City.

The newly-appointed Ruud van Nistelrooy has a 46.3 per cent chance of relegation, followed by Wolves with 47.2 per cent, whereas Ipswich Town and Southampton boast a staggering 87 per cent and 97 per cent chance, respectively, of an immediate return to the Championship.

One shining light to the Merseyside derby postponement is that Everton will have a game in hand over their relegation rivals, but, of course, this will be against Liverpool.

A lot can change between now and when the derby is rescheduled – however, unless Dyche starts picking up vital points in the Premier League, the relegation landscape could change drastically for Everton again.

In other Everton news, BBC Sport share ‘most likely’ slot for the Blues to host Liverpool at Goodison Park.

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