The Premier League table looked to be taking shape earlier this week with a lot of teams only separated by a few points. However, the news of Everton's point deduction being reduced to six has handed them some much-needed breathing room.
Everton are now 15th and five points ahead of Luton Town in 17th and occupying the final relegation zone, which has put increased pressure on teams around them. None more than Nottingham Forest who themselves are set to face the brunt of a points deduction in the near future due to Financial Fair Play breaches.
With both Burnley and Sheffield United sitting on 13 points respectively, they look nailed on to finish inside the bottom three, it's all about who will finish 17th and take that dreaded final spot inside the bottom three.
Premier League relegation tricast betting – Latest news
Everton's point deduction appeal shakes things up
Everton were originally slapped with a huge 10-point deduction which dropped them into the bottom three, something that appeared to drive Sean Dyche's side on initially. However, a run of one win in their last nine league games had them very close to the drop zone. So, being handed back four points was certainly a welcomed boost inside the walls of Goodison Park.
The fact that Everton were awarded four extra points has moved them up to 15th and dropped Forest and Brentford closer to the dreaded drop zone. The Bees should be okay in the long run given they have a proven goalscorer in the form of Ivan Toney, however, Forest are the ones who will be sweating given their off-field woes.
Nottingham Forest the next club to be punished
It's believed that Forest will be handed a similar points deduction to what Everton were handed earlier in the season and that will create a sense of unrest at the City Ground. If Forest were to be docked an initial 10 points, it would see them reduced to 14, and thus be six behind Luton.
Forest will want this decision to either arrive immediately or be pushed into next season, otherwise, they'll find themselves in a place of limbo, unable to do much about their perilous situation caused by reckless spending.
Premier League relegation tricast betting – Selected odds
Sheffield United, Burnley, Luton – (8/11)
Until any sort of point deduction to Forest is made official by the Premier League, this order of teams being relegated come May looks to be the most likely. There appears to be very little debate about Sheffield United and Burnley finishing bottom and second bottom respectively given their woes this season, but Luton still have a chance of staying up.
The Hatters have certainly proven many doubters wrong this season, even if they are to be relegated because a lot of people had written them off and said they'd finish rock bottom. However, Rob Edwards has his side just four points behind Forest, but with a game in hand against Bournemouth, so there is everything to play for. Especially with the two sides set to meet on March 16th.
Burnley, Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest – (2/1)
There is very little to separate Forest and Luton, just the fact that the former has points on the board and perhaps more established quality players has them favourites to stay up. However, Luton are hungry and determined to survive their first-ever season in the top flight.
On paper, Forest's squad should have enough to stay in the division when compared to Luton's. However, football isn't played on paper and if the Premier League come down hard on Forest then there'll be very little they can do about catching Luton with so few games left to play.
Given how likely it is that Forest will be handed a points deduction, it would be crazy to not punt on this relegation tricast, especially with these attractive odds.
Sheffield United, Burnley, Everton – (15/2)
After being handed a huge boost from the Premier League in terms of four added points, Everton are certainly still not clear of danger. Dyche's side haven't won in the Premier League since December 16th when they defeated Burnley, but it's now a run of nine matches without a win.
Their earlier form has seen them outside the bottom three having previously gone on a run of four straight wins in the Premier League. However, with a lack of depth and some big injuries, the Toffees will be looking over their shoulder.
Even when it comes to off-field issues, Everton are still indeed being investigated for further financial breaches which would bring about another points deduction, and if that arrives before the end of the season it will make for one almighty relegation battle.
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