FINANCIAL OUTLOOK FINALLY LOOKS BRIGHTER FOR BLUES

Financial constraints easing ahead of ground move

- By JOE THOMAS

A WIN over Southampton will be more than just the perfect way to end Everton's 133-year Goodison Park history.

Results at the weekend mean three points in the penultimate game of the season would have significant financial implications.

The scores worked in favour of the Blues in their effort to finish at the top of a five-team cluster battling, in theory at least, for 13th place.

The comeback win at Fulham offered a major boost to the ambitions of David Moyes to win that mini-league.

On a weekend when rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur lost, the away victory left Everton top of the pack with two games to go.

The 3-1 victory at Craven Cottage, secured through goals from Vitalii Mykolenko, Michael Keane and Beto, moved Everton four points clear of Spurs and three ahead of Man United.

The superior goal difference over the Red Devils means victory at Goodison on Sunday would guarantee the season ending with the club above Spurs and almost certainly lead to a finish above Ruben Amorim’s side.

Both teams play on Friday due to their Europa League final the following week, meaning Everton will know their position in advance of the visit of the Saints - and therefore may be safely clear of Spurs before kicking another ball.