Neville sure that Everton are too strong for relegation fight

Phil Neville admits that Everton must work out a winning formula soon, but is convinced that the team have too much quality in their squad to get caught up in a relegation battle.

Everton have tended to begin their Premier League campaigns slowly in recent seasons, but this has been their worst start yet, as they are bottom of the table after six games and still waiting for their first win.

However, Neville feels that the form is not because the team are not performing well on the pitch and it is likely to be just a matter of time before things begin to turn around.

He said: “You can’t say anything for certain, but I don’t see this season as being a relegation fight. We have got too much quality, and I know that doesn’t guarantee you aren’t involved in a relegation battle, but the players are determined.

“I’d forego a good performance now and just get a result. If you don’t win football matches then you deserve to be bottom of the league.”

Everton are still 25/1 to suffer relegation from the Premier League this season and have a tough trip to Birmingham next, who have now gone a year without suffering a home defeat in the top flight.

One of their main problems has been a lack of goals, as they have only found the net four times in their opening six games and three of these came in a draw with Manchester United.

All of Everton’s four goals have come from midfielders, with manager David Moyes recently opting to play Tim Cahill in attack rather than his strikers.

Louis Saha and Victor Anichebe are injured, while Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford are seemingly a little short of confidence.

Everton were many people’s outside bet to break into the Champions League places this season, but their poor start has seen their price drift to 14/1 to finish in the top four.

Everton are also now 350/1 to win the Premier League. See the full Premier League winners betting odds market.