Everton vs. Sheffield United – May 16, 2021 (English Premier League)

It seems a very long time ago when Everton was at the top of the league and drawing with Liverpool in the Merseyside derby. It was always going to be a long shot for that form to continue all season, but now the Toffees have an uphill battle to qualify for Europe.

Sheffield United would dearly love to have such problems. The Blades have endured a woeful season and now have just three games left before finally being put out of their misery.

There is some pride in this Sheffield United side but there is simply not enough talent to overcome an Everton team that can still take one of the European places on offer.

The odds for an away win are nowhere near enough for me to be interested, though, and the home win odds are the only ones to take note of here.

Everton fans were overjoyed when they realized that their team wouldn’t have to face Ollie Watkins in the midweek game with Villa. He had tormented the Toffees just a few weeks earlier but his suspension for the return game had instilled some hope.

In the end, Everton had to make do with a goalless draw that keeps it in the hunt but still behind Spurs on goal difference.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin came closest to scoring in that game and will be the main hope of a goal once again on Sunday. He will be aided by Richarlison, but neither striker has really enjoyed enough support this season from what looked like a very creative midfield.

They should still be able to cut through the Sheffield United defense though.

The Blades had one of the best records in the EPL last season but only West Brom has conceded more goals this time around and that has left the club struggling at the foot of the table throughout the campaign.

Any hope of the club performing a little better once the pressure of battling against relegation lifted has evaporated, with back-to-back defeats against Spurs and Palace and no goals scored.

Sheffield United was always going to finish bottom of the league and another defeat on Sunday is surely on the cards.

Everton actually has a very slim chance of finishing in the top four this season but will probably be happy with sneaking into any European competition at this stage. It is a tough task, though, and a win against Sheffield United is absolutely crucial.

Three points here would definitely put some pressure on Spurs.