Kevin Campbell tips Everton to avoid relegation

Former Everton striker Kevin Campbell has tipped new manager Sean Dyche to lead the Toffees to top-flight survival this season.

Everton are fighting to avoid their first-ever relegation from the English top flight after narrowly escaping the drop last season.

Former manager Frank Lampard steered the Toffees to safety in the final stages of the last campaign, finishing four points above the drop zone.

Following summer reinforcements, the Englishman was expected to build on the club’s narrow escape. But instead, they find themselves in yet another scrap for survival.

Dyche was brought in to steady the ship and shocked the entire division when he guided the Toffees to victory over league leaders Arsenal on his debut.

However, his honeymoon period with the struggling Merseyside club has ended, having lost three of his five games in charge, including a 4-0 thumping at Arsenal last time out.

After enjoying a short spell out of the drop zone, Everton are back in 18th position, three points above bottom-placed Southampton and just one behind Leeds United, having played one more game than clubs around them.

Despite losing their last two games in a row, Campbell tipped his former side to retain their top-flight status at the end of the season.

“I think it’s gonna be another great escape for Everton,” Campbell said (via Football Daily). 

“I like what Sean Dyche is doing. You could see he’s gone back to basics – it makes them difficult to beat, difficult to break down, and at times, they have some really good breaks. When you have those moments in your breaks, you’ve got to score.”

Everton have only scored two goals since Dyche came in, but they have conceded a concerning eight, which has to change to bolster their chances.

Dyche’s side will travel to face newly promoted Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday, knowing anything but a win will only make their situation worse.

It could prove a tricky tie for Everton, with the Tricky Trees looking to return to winning ways after failing to record a victory in any of their last three games.