U.K. bookies now make Ronald Koeman odds on favourite to be the next manager to be sacked, as his position at Everton FC gets ever more under threat following another disappointing result at Brighton over the weekend.
Here, FantasySports.co.uk takes a look at the upcoming fixtures for Koeman and the Toffees, which could be absolutely crucial in keeping Koeman in charge at Goodison Park :
19/10/17 – Lyon (h) – Europa League
One point from two Europa League games played means Everton lie bottom of their group and in danger of losing touch with their opponents. A poor result here would probably not spell the end for Koeman, but a positive result could just restore a little confidence and keep them in touch with group qualification, which was a must going into this event.
22/10/17 – Arsenal (h) – Premier League
This game could either be the perfect one for Everton or an absolute nightmare fixture. Arsenal, despite their sixth place position at the moment are not in great form and are the kind of team that Everton should have no problem raising their game for. But the Gunners will be wanting a swift bounce back from their reversal at Watford to keep in touch with the leading pack, and they themselves will see Everton as a great opportunity to pick up three points from a team lacking confidence. A draw, considering the opposition, could just keep the axe swinging but not falling on Koeman….a loss though, especially if severe, could see it drop. But we feel Koeman can survive here.
25/10/17 – Chelsea (a) – Carabao Cup
Horrible reward for Everton’s resounding win against Sunderland in the previous round – but will be seen as an opportunity to have a go with not much really to lose – and potentially plenty to gain. Chelsea are unlikely to field a full strength team here – but neither are Everton. Whatever happens here, this game will not have a huge bearing on Koeman’s future.
29/10/17 – Leicester City (a) – Premier League
This could be the one. On the basis our assumption that Koeman has survived until now but the results have not exactly been brilliant in their previous three games, this result could be absolutely pivotal in whether or not Koeman continues. Leicester are not tearing up many trees themselves, but remain a decidedly tricky opponent, especially at the King Power Stadium, and we can see them hammering the final nail into Koeman’s coffin with a home win here. Even a draw may not be good enough. Nothing less than an away win will save Koeman here we feel, especially as the upcoming fixtures do represent an opportunity for a new manager to be brought in and get off to a positive start. It may well be too late though for the Dutchman, who will feel very aggrieved to be dismissed, but knows he has ultimately failed to deliver on a season that promised so much – even after just two months of the season.
EVERTON FC – NEXT 4 PREMIER LEAGUE GAMES AFTER LEICESTER
5/11/17 – Watford (h)
18/11/17 – Crystal Palace (a)
26/11/17 – Southampton (a)
29/11/17 – West Ham United (h)
WHAT DO YOU THINK? WILL KOEMAN SURVIVE? LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS BELOW!
