Sean Dyche’s position under scrutiny after subpar start by Everton

Everton have been far from convincing so far this season in the Premier League. As things stand, they are just two points away from the dropzone, with Sean Dyche now under scrutiny.

Why are they struggling?

They are the top flight’s second-lowest scorers, and their struggles in front of goal were only emphasised when they were unable to punish a Brentford side who played with ten men for over a half following Bees skipper Christian Norgaards’ dismissal.

Strikers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto look short of confidence, having netted just three between them this season. The pair are finding opportunities but have so far been unable to take many, with the former in particular guilty of missing big chances.

Summer signing Iliman Ndiaye has looked lively and has probably been their best player, but Everton fans believe Dyche is playing him out-of-position at left wing, rather than in the number 10 role where he was so effective for Sheffield United during his previous spell in English football.

What are the odds for Everton to be relegated?

Many bookmakers have Everton down as the fourth most likely club to make the drop. They are only behind the three teams promoted from the Championship this season: Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich.

The former look a shoe in, as their average odds sit at around 1/7. They’ve picked up just four points this season, with three actually coming against Sean Dyche’s side. Leicester are just one point behind Everton on 11 points, with Ipswich just one behind them on 10.

The Toffees are placed at 5/2 by Betfred and Betway, followed closely by BetVictor and William Hill at 9/4. Coral and Ladbrokes provide the worst value for punters, placing them at 2/1 to make the plunge into the Championship.

How will The Friedkin Group’s acquisition of Everton affect this?

Current Roma owner Dan Friedkin’s takeover of the club is expected to be made official imminently, perhaps as early as January next year. He recently passed the FCA and FA approval tests, and now awaits approval from the Premier League’s Owners and Directors Test.

It is expected he’ll pass these tests despite their increased stringency, and it will be interesting to see how he handles Everton’s managerial situation. He may opt to back Dyche and see out this season, or he might want to bring in his own man to finish their final season at Goodison Park.

Though, while the former Burnley boss remains at the helm of the Merseyside club, it looks unlikely that the Toffees will improve enough to distance themselves from the danger zone. It is worth keeping an eye on things in L4, as there is potential value in their relegation, and certainly for Dyche to be the next PL manager relieved of his duties. At Sky Bet, he has odds of 10/1.