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Advantage Everton in fight against the drop

With the top six spots in the English Premier League decided, the focus is on the relegation battle, with an eye on the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Everton has been in the top division of English football since 1954 but has flirted with relegation in recent years.

As the Premier League enters its final round of matches on Sunday, the Merseyside club knows a victory over Bournemouth on Sunday (11.30pm) will guarantee another season in the top flight.

The Toffees also know that a draw – depending on how results go elsewhere – could be enough, while defeat may not be the end should Leicester and Leeds fail to win their matches against West Ham and Tottenham, respectively.

As it stands, Everton has 33 points, with Leicester and Leeds two points behind. Everton has a negative 24 goal difference, Leicester minus 18 and Leeds a deficit of 27.

Leeds faces the most daunting task as Tottenham still harbours hopes of qualifying for Europe, while Bournemouth has nothing to play for, and West Ham has its eyes on the Europa Conference League final.

Leeds United Supporters Club Malaysia (LUSCM) secretary Dir Kheizmein Kamaruddin said: “It is a big ask (to escape relegation), and all I can do is cheer for the team and hope for the best.

“Leeds has the third lowest goal conversion in the Premier League. Wherever Leeds is – Premier League or Championship – LUSCM and I will support the team. That is all that matters.”

For the record, Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle will play in the Champions League, while Liverpool and Brighton will play in the Europa League.

Aston Villa (58 points), Tottenham (57) and Brentford (56) are the three teams in contention to qualify for one Conference League spot.

If West Ham beats Fiorentina in the Conference League final on June 8, it will qualify for the Europa League, meaning England could have eight teams in Europe next year.

FIXTURES (11.30pm Malaysian time)
SUNDAY
Aston Villa vs Brighton
Everton vs Bournemouth
Leeds vs Tottenham
Brentford vs Manchester City
Manchester United vs Fulham
Chelsea vs Newcastle
Leicester vs West Ham
Arsenal Wolves
Southampton vs Liverpool
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest