Only one game remains to determine which teams will leave the English Premier League (EPL) next season. Southampton, already in last place with 24 points, is the first team to be confirmed for relegation to the English Championship, the second tier of the league, for the 2023-2024 season. However, in a system where three teams, including Southampton, will be relegated next season, two are still to be decided.
The teams at risk of relegation are Leeds United (19th), Leicester City (18th), and Everton (17th). Leeds United and Leicester City have 31 points and Everton has 33 points. Sixteenth-placed Nottingham Forest have already secured their place with 37 points. Depending on the outcome of the final match, only one of the three teams can smile.
The ‘humiliation’ of the oldest club in the top flight
Everton’s relegation is a huge shock to the club itself. Founded in 1878, Everton is in its 117th season in the top flight, including this season. The club is second only to Arsenal (97) in terms of consecutive seasons in the top flight, but Everton is the longest-running club in terms of seasons in the top flight.
It’s not just about staying in the top flight either. Everton have won the EPL nine times and the FA Cup five times. They’ve also won the FA Community Shield, which pits the EPL winner against the FA Cup winner, nine times, so they’ve had a long history of dominance at the top end of soccer in England.
However, Everton have been in the bottom half of the table this season after finishing 16th last season, and are in danger of relegation. Their final opponent is no slouch either. The Toffees face Bournemouth, who are 15th in the EPL this season, and Everton lost 0-3 to them last November. The Toffees also met Bournemouth twice in the league in the 2019-2020 season, losing both times. Everton have lost all three of their most recent meetings with Bournemouth.
Leicester City play West Ham in the final round, having won their first meeting this season 2-0. Leeds United also play Tottenham, who they lost 3-4 in their first meeting this season, but it’s doubtful that Spurs, who have already missed out on qualifying for next season’s UEFA Europa League, will make the final a competitive affair. If both teams win and Everton lose, Everton’s relegation will be confirmed.
What does Jeonbuk look like after 37 games?
There’s another team in the Korean Football League (K League 1) that could have a similar story to Everton’s this season. While defending champions Ulsan are leading the way this season, Jeonbuk hasn’t been the same team for some time. 안전놀이터
Founded in 1994 by Hyundai Motor Company, Jeonbuk holds the record for the most K League 1 championships (9). In particular, they won the K League 1 title for five consecutive seasons from 2017 to 2021, and finished runner-up to Ulsan last season. Instead, the team won the Korean Football Association (FA) Cup last year, tying the record for most FA Cup wins with five.