Sean Dyche and Everton might be about to find themselves battling relegation once again for the third Premier League season in a row.
On Wednesday afternoon, it was revealed the Toffees, who narrowly stayed up by the skin of their teeth during the last two seasons, are facing a 12-point penalty for breaching the Premier League's financial regulations. And if found guilty, they could be slapped with a points deduction that would leave them languishing in the relegation zone.
Through nine games this term, Dyche and co currently sit 16th in the table on seven points. They have won just two of their opening nine, with their Premier League wins coming against Brentford and Bournemouth in recent weeks.
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However, a points deduction of 12 would see them drop to the bottom of the table on -5. And according to the Telegraph, the Premier League are pushing for the harshest punishment of 12 points.
That would see Vincent Kompany's Burnley escape the relegation zone, despite having picked up just four points this season. Having romped home to the Championship title last season, Burnley have won one game, a 2-1 win over Luton Town, this season since being promoted.
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Of course, a points deduction for Everton would also move Luton up a spot to 16th, while Bournemouth and Sheffield United, who currently sit 19th and 20th respectively, would also move up the table.
While there was excitement about the appointment of Andoni Iraola this past summer on the south coast, the Cherries are also enduring a disappointing season so far, having not won a single game this season in the Premier League.
Iraola and co have drawn three and lost six. However, somehow, Sheffield United have been even worse than Bournemouth following their promotion last term. Paul Heckingbottom's side have lost eight of their opening nine, and drawn the other – ironically against Everton who they might be about to leapfrog.
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If Everton are handed the 12-point penalty, they would sit nine points adrift of 17th place as things stand. And while there is plenty of time for them to turn things around in the event they are punished, the Toffees' Christmas run-in poses a host of tough fixtures.
Already this season, Everton have faced the Blades, Bournemouth and Luton, and have picked up just four points from those fixtures.
In the coming weeks, they take on the likes of West Ham, Brighton and Manchester United, while December sees them handed ties against Newcastle United, Everton, Spurs and Man City.
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