Everton suffer shocking 400-mile curse that needs to end for club to stay up

Everton's dedicated travelling supporters have had far too little to cheer this season.

The collection of just six points from 16 away games - five of which came from the first four trips of the campaign - is a major factor underpinning the Blues' struggles. With Norwich, Southampton and Brighton among those on the calendar, as well as a host of London clubs, Everton have had to travel just over 400 miles for every point gained on the road.

The last away point came at Stamford Bridge, when Jarrad Branthwaite's goal helped what were then Rafa Benitez's Blues earn a draw on December 16. So not only has Frank Lampard not picked up a point away from Merseyside since taking over, the club is yet to pick up anything beyond Goodison Park in 2022.

That run must be broken this week. It is hard to see a path to survival that doesn't include points from the next two games. Fortunately, in their opponents, Leicester City and Watford, Everton have two huge opportunities.

As well as Leicester played at Goodison last month they were unable to hold on for a win, Richarlison's late leveller coming after Everton created a glut of opportunities in the final minutes. And Brendan Rodgers' side now enter Sunday's game on the back of being knocked out of the Europa Conference League semi-finals by Roma. The heartbreak of that exit, combined with the mountain they have to climb to qualify for Europe through the Premier League, could leave them vulnerable to a rested Everton side with everything to play for.

Meanwhile, Watford have won just one of their last 11 league games. Their home form is worse than Everton's away form, the Hornets' last points at Vicarage Road coming in November against Manchester United. They have lost their last 11 on